IMPROMPTU SPEAKING (IS)
Time limit: 5 Minutes. Impromptu Speaking is an event where competitors have five minutes to select a topic, brainstorm their ideas, outline and deliver a speech. The speech is given without notes and includes an introduction, body, and conclusion. The speech can be lighthearted or serious. The topics, which are given to the competitor in the room of competition, can that range from nursery rhymes, current events, celebrities, organizations, and more. Impromptu speaking tests competitors’ ability to analyze a topic, process their thoughts, organize the main points of the speech, and deliver them in a relatively short period of time. Critical thinking is an important skills that impromptu speakers develop. Impromptu Speaking is designed to test the student’s ability to speak effectively and coherently on a general topic with a minimum of preparation. The speech is supported by varied materials and gives a contestant opportunity to be creative and imaginative.
Logic is extremely important in Impromptu Speaking. Competitors must be able to take an abstract idea and put together a speech that has a thesis and supporting information. The impromptu speech combines good reasoning and logic, evidence, and examples in support of main ideas, which support an overall thesis. The speech should have a clear organizational structure and be easy to follow. The contestant should display effective delivery skills, including the use of voice, gesture, poise, diction, fluency, and style–and should be effective in enlisting and holding the interest of the audience. Notes are not permitted.
Impromptu Ballot
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