Extemporaneous Speech

“This is a speech of learned experienced, and calculated opinion. Competence and confidence are essential.”

What is Extemp?

•Persuade or inform an audience on “short notice”

•Choose 1 of 3 pulled questions (based on current events from Newsweek, US News and World Report, Time Magazine)

•30 minutes to prepare (using your knowledge, and limited materials)

•5 to 7 minute speech

Type of Extemp. Questions

Fact * Asks for a description or prediction of outcome (look for: is, are, will, would)

Value * Asks for an application of personal, societal norms applied to an issue

Policy * Asks for an evaluation of solution or a solution to a problem (look for: can, could, should)

CAN BE:

CLOSED Extemp. Questions (yes / no)

TO DO: Answer the question / give your main reasons

OPEN Extemp. Questions (how / what)

•Adds “How” or “What” and gives STEPS

TO DO:   Answer the question Give your main points or steps to solution

•Positive Answer is Implicitly assumed. Always.     Not will/should, but what or how it should be done

Unified Analysis

“There are no wrong answers, only unsubstantiated ones”

The Purpose of Unified Analysis is to Answer a question and prove or justify your answer

How to apply Unified Analysis

FACT

• Is /are = descriptive analysis, describing facts
• Will / would = evaluative analysis  

VALUE

• Normative analysis based on norms and values of society

POLICY

• closed = evaluative analysis
• open = descriptive analysis to resolve the situation

EXAMPLE OF OUTLINE FORMAT

Example: “How serious is the problem of urban decay?”

Answer: Very serious.

Thesis: The problem of urban decay is very serious.

I. Decaying resources

A. deteriorating physical resources

 

1. capital

 

2. land

 

B. deteriorating human resources

 

1. education

 

2. job training

 

II. Decaying quality of life

A. constant violent crime

B. widespread poverty

What should I do during the 30 minute prep time?

• Write and practice your speech
• Suggestion: 10-10-10 method
• 10 min: research/write
• 10 min: memorize
• Practice/review

Exude Confidence

• Smile
• Be professional

Relax

• Graceful entrance
• Middle finger touching side seam
• Chin up
• Shoulders back

Simplicity is Key

No slang or triteness

Slow Down! Slow Down! Slow Down!

Remember Shakespeare’s “Speak the Speech”

• Gestures that flow with content of speech
• THINK about what you’re saying

Convey Passion

• CARE!!
• Get into your subject, then get your subject into yourself, and lastly, get your subject into your hearers.

“Nothing is pleasant that is not spiced with variety”

• Vary rate, pace, tone, pitch

Let it Flow

• Ditch your ipod for a few days, and practice an extemp speech instead
• Practice an extemp speech in the shower

Look the judge(s) in the eyes – Always!

• Focus on a few, not all

LOVE what you do!

• Put some FIRE in your belly!