Impromptu speaking

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Impromptu speaking is a speech and debate individual event that involves a five- to eight-minute
speech with a characteristically short preparation time of one to seven minutes. The speaker is most
commonly provided with their topic in the form of a quotation, but the topic may also be presented as
an object, proverb, one-word abstract, or one of the many alternative possibilities. [1] While specific
rules and norms vary with the organization and level of competition, the speeches tend to follow
basic speech format, and cover topics that are both humorous and profound.
Contents
[hide]

1Collegiate Impromptu Speaking

o

1.1Editorial Impromptu

2High School Competitions

3See also

4References

5External links

Collegiate Impromptu Speaking[edit]

impromptu speaking is an Individual Event offered and regulated by both the National Forensics
Association and the American Forensics Association, both of whom follow nearly identical formats in
proctoring the event. Both organizations provide seven minutes of time to be allocated between
speaking and preparation as the speaker sees fit, allow minimal notes (usually a 3"x5" index card) to
be used, and provide undisclosed prompts to determine the speech's topic. [2][3]
While the competitor's success and ranking is ultimately determined by the judge's decision, there
are several general criteria that many competitors and judges adhere to:

Experienced speakers are generally expected to avoid exceeding

two minutes of preparation time, with some speakers preferring to
use only one minute or less.[4]

The speaker is to create an interpretation of the prompt and use it to

establish an argument/thesis that the speech will support.[5]

The speaker is heavily encouraged to use examples (e.g. historical

events) in the 'body' of their speech to support their argument.[5]

Advanced speakers often use theories in conjunction with examples

that illustrate them.

As with any competitive speech, the speaker is expected to offer a

clear and defined structure in their speech.[5]

Competitors are advised to avoid giving pre-prepared, or 'canned',

impromptu speeches.[5]

Neither the AFA nor NFA regulate specific speech formats to be used by competitors, however there
are two formats that are predominantly used:
Two point format:
I. Introduction (Attention getter, interpretation of prompt, argument/thesis)
II. First main point
A. Supporting example
B. Supporting example
III. Second main point
A. Supporting example
B. Supporting example
IV. Conclusion

Three point format:

I. Introduction
II. First main point
A. Supporting example
III. Second main point
A. Supporting example
IV. Third main point
A. Supporting example
V. Conclusion

Editorial Impromptu[edit]
In 2008, the National Forensics Association officially introduced a new form of impromptu for
competition. In this event students are given a short editorial (ideally 3 to 5 paragraphs) to which
they will develop a response. Students will be allowed nine minutes to divide between preparation
and speech time. Speakers must speak for at least five minutes. Limited notes, prepared in the
round, are permitted. Editorial Impromptu represents an attempt to return impromptu to impromptu
speaking. The speech should involve the development of an argument in response to the thesis
developed or opinion shared in a given editorial. [6]

High School Competitions[edit]

Typically in high school speech competitions, a competitor is given 30 seconds to select a topic from
a set of topics (usually three). The competitor will then have 5 minutes to compose a speech of five
minutes with a 30-second grace period. There is a general outline for impromptu speeches, it is as
follows:
1. 1. Introduction/Roadmap(1 minute)
2. 2. First section(1 minute)
3. 3. Second section(1 minute)
4. 4. Third section(1 minute)
5. 5. Conclusion(1 minute)
The introduction begins with an attention-getter, the statement of the topic and an outline of the
speech. The conclusion is usually like the introduction except backwards, ending with a profound
statement, although a lighthearted ending is also accepted. For the three body points, there are
many kinds of formats that can be used. For example, if the topic is a quote, a competitor may go
over how the quote is true, how the quote is false, and why he or she believes what he or she
believes. Other examples are: past, present, future; local, national, international. More advanced
speakers will use formats that look deeper into a subject such as: physical, moral, intellectual;
books, video, digital (media.)
However, many speakers choose not to follow a format at all. That being said, most beginners who
fail to follow a solid format often find themselves lost in a jumble of ideas.
Judging usually involves one judge in the preliminary round, one to three judges in the semifinals/qualifying round, and a panel of three judges in the finals round. Judges look for overall
coherency, impact, and confidence, and usually overlook basal errors due to the short preparation
time.

See also[edit]

Types of speeches

References[edit]
1.

Jump up^ "San Diego Christian College Event Descriptions".

2.

Jump up^ "AFA-NIET Event Descriptions" (PDF).

3.

Jump up^ "NFA Rules for Individual Events".

4.

Jump up^ "Pi Kappa Delta Impromptu Event Description"

5.

^ Jump up to:a b c d "Gustavus Adolphus College Forensics - Impromptu

Speaking".

6.

Jump up^ "NFA Editorial Impromptu Rules".

(PDF).

External links[edit]

Impromptu Speech Topics, How to Handle Impromptu Speeches

Impromptu Shuffle Impromptu Speaking App

[1] Organizing an Impromptu Speech Using Unified Analysis

Categories:

Public speaking

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This page was last modified on 28 May 2016, at 17:03.

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