How to Speak Extemporaneously

Co-authored by Lynn Kirkham

Last Updated: September 15, 2021

Extemporaneous speaking, also known as "Extemp", is a competitive speech event usually found in high school and university settings. It is a way of testing one's "on-your-feet" thinking and delivery skills. Students must speak about a current topic that has been chosen half an hour before appearing before the audience to discuss the topic. Usually articles will be left in the preparation room, to enable the speaker to draw additional information in putting the speech together. Extemporaneous speaking is generally divided into the two categories: US and International.

Steps

When your name is called, take three topics, but only choose one to speak on. Choose the one you know the most about and are most comfortable with.^{[1]
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You will be given 30 minutes to prepare your speech. Find any articles in your files to help you, but don't spend too much time reading. A dedicated extempore speaker will read and know the contents of their file box before each meet. Highlighting of files is allowed but only in one color.^{[2]
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It should be noted that one note card is allowed in regular season meets. At sectional, state, or national meets, note cards are not allowed.^{[3]
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Most associations allow you to watch speeches after your own, but never before. Wait outside the room until you are ushered in.
This is the sheet from regular season meets and ensure the topic is attached or written on the sheet.
When the judge has gone over time signals and you will be advised when they are ready for you to speak.^{[4]
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You will usually have five to eight minutes to speak. Be confident, gesture, cite some sources (publication, date, and author), and act like you know what you're talking about, even if you don't.^{[5]
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How do you mentally prepare for a speech?

Lynn Kirkham
Public Speaking Coach
Lynn Kirkham is a Professional Public Speaker and Founder of Yes You Can Speak, a San Francisco Bay Area-based public speaking educational business empowering thousands of professionals to take command of whatever stage they've been given - from job interviews, boardroom talks to TEDx and large conference platforms. Lynn was chosen as the official TEDx Berkeley speaker coach for the last four years and has worked with executives at Google, Facebook, Intuit, Genentech, Intel, VMware, and others.

Lynn Kirkham

Public Speaking Coach

Expert Answer

Before you even walk into the room, set your intention and goal for that speech. How do you want to be? Intend that you make great eye contact, that you love the audience, that they love you, that you're going to hit it out of the park, and that you're going to speak really, really well. Get your energy high by saying something like "I get to speak" rather than "I have to speak, and I don't want to." It also helps to meditate, get quiet, and actually visualize yourself getting a standing ovation.

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How do I overcome my fear of speaking in front of people?

Sophia

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Face the crowd, but never look at anyone directly. Everything will blur together and you'll just be talking. Try to be yourself. This article may have some more useful tips: how to get rid of the fear of public speaking.

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How do I successfully deliver an extemporaneous speech?

John Wren

Community Answer

Usually by bridging into something you are prepared to talk about. Use the question as a lead in to the points you would like to make and are ready to expound upon.

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Tips

Smile.

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Look sharp. Wear a suit or other nice outfit.

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A great way to practice is to draw topics out of a bin and have someone watch and time you.

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Warnings

Going overtime on a speech will cause you to lose points.

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Remember: do not rely on a note card. Many meets (including sectionals, state, and national) do not allow you to use one during your speech. Those that do allow a note card allow a maximum of 50 words on your note card. Some judges will even ask to see your note card and will count the number of words, although this is rare.

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No electronic devices are allowed in the prep room at most competitions. Check your state rule books, some allow for computers with stored files, as long as they are dissociated from any wifi or internet access.

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Make sure to rid your file box of illegal materials (previous outlines, uncopyrighted sources, tip sheets, etc) before entering the prep room.

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Watch out for bad judges, and report any improper etiquette or behaviors to your tab room.

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Things You'll Need

A suit. For girls, this can be a skirt, nice shirt and blazer, or set with pants. Heels help put together an outfit but make sure they're comfortable enough to be walking in all day.
Files
Note card (optional)
Topic
Judge
Draw room (where you draw the question)