U.S. AND INTERNATIONAL EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEAKING (USX & IX)
Time limit: 7 Minutes. Extemporaneous Speaking is a speech on current events with limited preparation time. A student’s understanding of important political, economic, and cultural issues is evaluated aside his or her critical thinking and analytical skills. Competitors in Extemporaneous Speaking are provided a question pertaining to current events. United States Extemporaneous Speaking addresses domestic affairs and the foreign affairs of the United States, whereas International Extemporaneous Speaking addresses global and civil affairs, which may include the United States.
The Extemporaneous Speech is not a memory test of the materials contained in any one magazine article; rather, the speech should be an original synthesis of the current facts and opinions presented by numerous sources on the designated topic. The supporting materials should be organized according to some logical plan to produce a complete speech within the time allowed. The speech should contain adequate evidence and specific examples that support the position that the speaker takes in relation to the topic. Extemporaneous speakers may, but are not required, to take a personal stand on a controversial subject. They may instead elect to present both sides of the controversy as currently set forth in the public press.
Students report to extemporaneous prep room where all of the extempers gather at tables, set out their files, and await their turn to draw topics. Students may access research brought with them to the tournament during the 30-minute preparation period. When the preparation time has elapsed, the student reports to the competition room to deliver a 7 minute speech. Students have a lot to do in 30 minutes—they must select a question, review research, outline arguments with supporting materials, and practice at least part of the speech before time expires. Notes may only be consulted during the speech at non-qualifying speech tournaments; the speech structure and all evidence must be memorized at state-qualifying and national tournaments.
Contestants are evaluated on the effectiveness with which they develop the subject according to their own plan. Their delivery should be free from marked defects in the mechanics of the speech–poise, quality and use of voice, enunciation, fluency, bodily expressiveness–and should be effective in enlisting and holding the interest of the audience.
U.S. Extemp Ballot
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International Extemp Ballot
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