Impromptu Speaking or Extemporaneous Speaking

 

Impromptu Speaking: 

 

When it is their turn to compete, each speaker will be sent three topics which may be words, quotations, phrases, statements or some combination of the four. The speaker then has two minutes to prepare, during which time they must keep their camera and their microphone on. They should decide which of the three prompts they will speak on and prepare comments on paper...these may not be typed on their devices. Competitors may sit or stand while preparing, but must remain in full view of the camera of the device they are using.

 

Competitors may make notes, although these may not be used when speaking. Competitors may speak in favour of the topic, against it or about it. They may interpret it within reason. They must, however, deal with the topic that they have been given and not use a previously prepared speech on a barely related theme. Wit, humour, philosophy, sentiment or absurdity, are all equally welcome. Judges will be looking for agility of thought, for "meat on the bones", for organisational ability and, above all, for the ability of each speaker to communicate with style and originality. 

 

Competitors must not be seen to be making use of previously prepared material. If the judges believe that the student has used prepared material, the matter will be referred to the tournament director. When the  two minute preparation period is up, competitors must place any notes they have made behind them. At the end of the speech, the moderator will announce the topic to the judges. This will therefore mean that the speaker must adhere to the topic. Each competitor must speak for 3 to 5 minutes. There will be a time penalty of 2 points for speeches up to 15 seconds under 3 minutes or up to 15 seconds over 5 minutes. There will be a time penalty of 10 points for speeches over 5 minutes and 15 seconds or from 16 to 30 seconds under 3 minutes and a time penalty of 25 points for speeches under 2 minutes and 30 seconds. The speaker may not adopt a persona throughout the speech, but may quote in character at appropriate points. Salutation is optional. They should remain in the breakout room until all competitors have completed their speeches.

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Extemporaneous Speaking:

 

Each competitor will be assigned a time to report to the Extemporaneous Speaking Lockup Room. They should check the draw provided on the tournament page for their allotted time.

 

When competitors are admitted to the Lockup room at their allotted time, the moderator will share three topics with them and the student must choose one to prepare. Being mindful that this is an international competition, topics will all be based on major international stories covered in news magazines and newspapers during the six months prior to the tournament. Topics will be framed in question form. Students must keep their cameras and microphones on during preparation time, and the student must be in full view of the camera. Competitors may not bring in any research material or information resources, nor will the host school provide any. Their speeches must be based on their own knowledge of the subject. During the speech, a competitor may refer only to notes prepared during the preparation period. These notes must be on a 3 x 5 index card, and both sides may be used. The card will be provided by the host school. The speaker will have 3 to 6 minutes to speak. 

 

There will be a time penalty of 2 points for speeches which are up to 30 seconds under 3 minutes or up to 30 seconds over 6 minutes. There will be a time penalty of 10 points for speeches under 2 minutes 30 seconds or over 6 minutes and 30 seconds. The extemporaneous topic will be read out aloud at the end of the presentation by the moderator. Salutation is optional. 

 

They should remain in the competition breakout room until all other competitors have completed their speeches.

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