Impromptu Speaking
Each speaker will draw three topics, which may be a word, a quotation, a phrase or anything not related to current events. They must choose one of them and then has up to two minutes to prepare. They may write notes but may not bring them up when they speak. The speech must last from 3 to 5 minutes. Speakers may speak in favour of, against, in favour of and against, or about the topic. It should be the sort of speech that would be delivered if the speaker were asked to speak on short notice to a general audience on the topic given. They may interpret it within reason, including treating it as a metaphor, but must speak about the topic that they have been given. It is strictly understood that competitors will not use prepared material for this event, including material from earlier impromptu speeches. Wit, humour, logic, philosophy and sentiment are all equally welcome. Judges will be looking for agility of thought, for substance, for organizational ability and style. Props may not be used. There are time penalties for speeches that are over or undertime. Competitors may not make not make comments about other competitors, other competitors' speeches, the organizers, or the judges.Â