What is Extemporaneous?

Extemporaneous speaking is a limited-preparation event where the speaker is given a limited amount of time to prepare a speech on a current event topic. The speech must be an original work prepared during the designated prep time.

How do Extemporaneous speakers select their topics?

Speakers will report to the Extemp Prep room at their designated time and draw their topics.

What is the time limit?

Prep time is 30 minutes. Speaking time is 7 minutes. There is no minimum time.

How much prep time is there for Extemporaneous?

Students have 30 minutes from their assigned prep time until their scheduled speaking time.

What materials may a speaker refer to during prep time?

Speakers may refer to published books, magazines, newspaper articles, and other written sources during prep time. They may make notes on a 3 x 5 card to insure they have accurate information to use in citing sources they will use in their speech.

May computers be used during prep time?

No. Computers are not allowed in the prep room.

May speakers use prepared speech outlines?

Speakers may not bring prepared speech outlines into the prep room nor ask for prep help or advice from anyone.

May Extemporaneous speakers come and go from the Extemp Prep room?

Extemporaneous speakers may not come and go to and from the Extemp Prep room.

What are the rules regarding Extemp box sharing between clubs?

All individual and club boxes must be labeled. Speakers are not allowed to use another club or individual’s box without the written permission of the coach of that club or the parent of the individual involved.

How are Extemporaneous topics formatted?

Topics are posed as questions based on current events from the previous 90 days. Topics are categorized as either foreign or domestic and rounds should alternate between these two categories. Tournaments may add a separate, discretionary category to include economic questions. Each speaker receives a list of 3 topics. No two speakers in the same room will receive the same topics. The same speaker (e.g., speaker #3) in each Extemp room is to receive the same set of topics. A panel of 8 speakers will require 24 topics, 3 for each speaker.

How will the speakers manage prep time?

The Extemp prep room should have a clock or other timepiece visible to all speakers during prep time.

Must a speaker state his or her topic during the speech?

The speaker must state the chosen topic early in the presentation. A one rank penalty is required for those who fail to do so.

Are props allowed during an Extemporaneous speech?

No props, audiovisuals, or gratuitous vulgarity will be allowed.

May a competitor sit in on other competitors’ presentations?

No speaker is permitted to listen to other Extemporaneous speakers before speaking him/herself. S/he may remain in the room after s/he has given her/his own speech.

What guidelines are available for drafting Extemp topics?

A rigid protocol has not been established for developing tournament Extemp questions. Many tournaments are currently offering alternating rounds of Domestic, International, Economic, and Culture questions.