How To-104: "How to Speak Extemporaneously"

How to Speak Extemporaneously

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Extemporaneous speaking, also known as "Extemp" or "impromptu speeches", is usually found in high school and university settings and is a way of testing one's "on-your-fee" thinking and delivery skills. Students must speak about a current topic that has been chosen half an hour before appearing before the audience to discuss the topic. Usually articles will be left in the preparation room to enable the speaker to draw additional information in putting the speech together.

Steps

1. Go into the draw room. When your name is called, take three topics, but only choose 1 to speak on. Choose the one you know the most about.
   
2. Use your 30 minutes. Find any articles in the files to help you, but don't spend too much time reading. Be sure to use the speech structure and state the topic (intro, point preview, point 1, point 2, point 3, point review, conclusion, plus transitions).
   
3. Take at least 10 minutes to practice, especially if you're going to try it without a notecard (although 1 notecard is allowed).
   
4. Give your speech. You will usually have five to seven minutes to speak. Be confident, gesture, cite some sources (who, where, when), and act like you know what you're talking about because you should.

Tips

• Look sharp. Wear a suit or other nice outfit.
  
• Own the room.
  
• Watch your time. You only have 30 minutes of prep time and 7 minutes for a speech.
  
• Smile.
  
• Prior the the event, research current events in the world so you get background information
  
• Use other examples in your speech to demonstrate your knowledge.
  
• Use credible sources.
  
• Have a good posture, gesture, and enunciate.
  
• A great way to practice is to draw topics out of a bin and have someone watch and time you.
  
• There are varying levels of Extemp from beginner to advanced.

Warnings

• Watch out for bad judges.

Things You'll Need

• suit
  
• Files
  
• Notecard (optional)
  
• Topic
  
• Judge
  
• Draw room (where you draw the question)

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