How do I prepare for Impromptu Speaking?
What topics do tournaments use?
How does the Impromptu Speaking round differ from other speech rounds?
Where can I go for on-line help and discussion?
How do I prepare for Impromptu Speaking?
Drill, drill, drill. Impromptu speaking is not about memorizing a speech. It is about honing spontaneous speaking skills. You can only do that by practicing speaking in the tournament format. You should practice speeches many times a week, making sure some of that practice uses an audience. Try visiting on-line quotation resources like this and this for quotations to practice. Find other resources as well.
What topics do tournaments use?
Ohio tournaments provide quotations to speakers. Speakers may encounter famous or obscure quotations. Once entering a room, a speaker will have three quotations from which to choose. Upon choosing one, the clock starts.
This is called "canning." Canning refers to writing portions of speeches that you re-use from speech to speech. Good speakers do this, but you must be careful that the judge cannot tell that the "canned" portion of the speech is just that. Work canned portions into the unique topic. Speakers "can" stories from their lives that could demonstrate general ideas, like responsibility, individuality, or identity.
A better idea than canning portions of a speech is developing an outline you can use with every speech. Here is an outline that might work:
1. Begin by discussing the general idea of the quotation.
2. State the quotation.
3. Explain any part of the quotation which requires clarifying.
4. Tell a story from history or current events which demonstrates the idea of the quotation.
5. Tell a story from your own life which demonstrates the idea of the quotation.
6. Conclude.
How does the Impromptu Speaking round differ from other speech rounds?
Unlike other speech events, impromptu speakers enter the room one at a time. The first speaker delivers to a room with only a judge. That speaker sits down. The second speaker enters and delivers the speech to the first speaker and the judge. This process continues until the room is full and each speaker has spoken. In this way, no speaker sees another's speech until they have already spoken.
Where can I go for on-line help and discussion?
Check the resources page on the IE main page. If you find excellent web resources and think the team can benefit from them, send them to Coach Clarkson.