How to Speak Extemporaneously

Last Updated: September 15, 2021

Extemporaneous speaking, also known as "Extemp", is a competitive speech event usually found in high school and university settings. It is a way of testing one's "on-your-feet" 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. Extemporaneous speaking is generally divided into the two categories: US and International.

Steps

1
Go into the draw room. When your name is called, take three topics, but only choose one to speak on. Choose the one you know the most about and are most comfortable with.^{[1]
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2
Use your 30 minutes wisely. You will be given 30 minutes to prepare your speech. Find any articles in your files to help you, but don't spend too much time reading. A dedicated extempore speaker will read and know the contents of their file box before each meet. Highlighting of files is allowed but only in one color.^{[2]
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3
Take at least 10 minutes to practice, especially if you are going to speak without a note card. It should be noted that one note card is allowed in regular season meets. At sectional, state, or national meets, note cards are not allowed.^{[3]
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4
Arrive to your assigned room a few minutes early. Most associations allow you to watch speeches after your own, but never before. Wait outside the room until you are ushered in.
5
Hand your judge your completed critique sheet. This is the sheet from regular season meets and ensure the topic is attached or written on the sheet.
6
Stand in the center of the room. When the judge has gone over time signals and you will be advised when they are ready for you to speak.^{[4]
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7
Give your speech. You will usually have five to eight minutes to speak. Be confident, gesture, cite some sources (publication, date, and author), and act like you know what you're talking about, even if you don't.^{[5]
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Community Q&A

Question

How do I overcome my fear of speaking in front of people?

Sophia

Community Answer

Face the crowd, but never look at anyone directly. Everything will blur together and you'll just be talking. Try to be yourself. This article may have some more useful tips: how to get rid of the fear of public speaking.
Question

How do I successfully deliver an extemporaneous speech?

John Wren

Community Answer

Usually by bridging into something you are prepared to talk about. Use the question as a lead in to the points you would like to make and are ready to expound upon.
Question

What is extemporaneous speech?

Darshani

Community Answer

It means limited preparation speech over events based on research and analysis.

Warnings

Going overtime on a speech will cause you to lose points.

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Remember: do not rely on a note card. Many meets (including sectionals, state, and national) do not allow you to use one during your speech. Those that do allow a note card allow a maximum of 50 words on your note card. Some judges will even ask to see your note card and will count the number of words, although this is rare.

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No electronic devices are allowed in the prep room at most competitions. Check your state rule books, some allow for computers with stored files, as long as they are dissociated from any wifi or internet access.

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Make sure to rid your file box of illegal materials (previous outlines, uncopyrighted sources, tip sheets, etc) before entering the prep room.

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Watch out for bad judges, and report any improper etiquette or behaviors to your tab room.

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Things You'll Need

A suit. For girls, this can be a skirt, nice shirt and blazer, or set with pants. Heels help put together an outfit but make sure they're comfortable enough to be walking in all day.
Files
Note card (optional)
Topic
Judge
Draw room (where you draw the question)