Speech can be a pretty stressful thing; one must memorize an entire script and grow acquainted with it, constantly making revisions and edits to continuously improve at the same rate as their fellow competitors. However, the script is almost like a reluctant friend, one who serves as your crutch; no matter what happens, you know what you're supposed to do, because it's quite literally written out for you.
What if I told you that some of us speechies, however, worked without that crutch?
Impromptu speaking definitely isn't for everyone; it takes a person who is confident in their natural speaking abilities and is quick and clever-thinking. Contrary to common belief, however, these are skills, not talents; they can easily be learned by someone dedicated enough. Though performing a speech you made up in two minutes in front of judges might be a bit uncomfortable, it's an important skill to learn; at some point in time, you're going to have to speak without prior knowledge. Whether you're considering competing in an Impromptu event or just wanting to sharpen your public speaking skills, I have compiled a list of steps one should take in order to successfully speak impromptu. Draw your topics, grab your notecard, and embark on the journey of impromptu speaking!
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Before your round:
1. Become acquainted with the rules.
While the criteria for impromptu speaking differs from state-to-state and even competition-to-competition, the rules set by IHSA indicate that an impromptu speaker is to view their three quotations/proverbs/phrases and create a six-minute speech in two minutes. Notecards are permitted, so it is encouraged for new speakers to utilize them. The typical impromptu speech is an argument attempting to either prove or disprove the topic chosen, typically by using examples from history, current events, the media, and even personal events. The majority of impromptu speeches will have an introduction, three points tying back to the topic, and a conclusion, just like any other speech. However, unlike with other events, you simply don't have the time to write a speech and, instead, should use your time to think about your main points and speak naturally yet professionally about them.
2. Consider the points you may use
The best impromptu speakers are the ones who are well-read on many different topics, particularly those not universally-known. I personally like to make my three points from three different situations, usually one from the media, one from history, and tying them together with a current event. However, it's okay to have all of your points from the media, or all from history. However, most judges become picky when all points are from current events and/or your personal life. Judges like to be surprised, so try to shock them with a connection they've never heard of.
During prep:
1. Choose the topic you understand best
Alright, so you've drawn out your topics, and you have about fifteen seconds to make a decision. First, read through all three of them as quickly as you can. If one stands out to you (especially if you can already make some connections with it), choose it without second thought. If not, go through and pick the one you feel as though you may be able to relate some points back to; even if the connections aren't obvious at first, you'll have two whole minutes to worry about that. If none of these fit your case, simply choose the topic you understand the most; it's likely that there's at least one quote you don't really get, so immediately eliminate that one. Then, go with the one you feel as though you can at least interpret. It's okay if it's vague; so long as you're convincing, a "wrong" interpretation is perfectly fine.
2. Prepare your speech
If you're not comfortable, it's best to use a notecard and take it up with you when you speak. I personally do not do this often, but that's the result of two years of impromptu speaking. I still, however, plot out my speech on a notecard. Every impromptu speaker uses a different layout for their notecard, but I typically plot my entire speech on the lined side of the card and use the following format:
Quote:
Intro:
Point I:
Point II:
Point III:
Conclusion:
If I don't plan on using the notecard during my actual speech, I won't write out the quote. However, if you're planning on not using the notecard, you may still want to bring the slip of paper containing the topic with you if it's a long quotation so that you don't get confused. However, if you're able to write the topic on your notecard, it will be helpful to only have to bring the notecard, rather than the notecard and topic.
I typically try to use three points so that my speech is strong and of a decent length, but if you can only come up with two that's fine; just be sure to make them two strong, lengthy points. You may also want to jot down why the point ties back to the topic, and anything else you may need when you're up speaking.
3: DON'T PANIC
This is the most vital advice I can give you. When you barely have one point down and the room timer calls out "One minute thirty", your heart is naturally going to start pounding. However, this is the worst thing that can happen. Keep a calm heart and a clear mind while you prep and always have a backup plan; you know that book you read in English class last month? If you stretch it enough, you'll be able to tie it back to the topic. Sure, these may not be the strongest points, but if you're a charismatic and convincing speaker, you'll be able to convince your judges that they're completely relevant.
During the speech:
1. Be natural
Once you manage the first words of your speech, a lot of your anxiety should fade. Start your speech off loudly and confidently; this will not only convince the judges that you're a good speaker, it will also convince you that you're a good speaker. Since you don't have a script, be sure you utilize your freedom; don't sound stilted and forced. Imagine your judges as your peers and that you're engaged in a one-sided conversation. Move freely and calmly, and be sure to use facial expressions; impromptu speaking can be an extremely boring event when a speaker is too nervous to emote. Similarly, use as much humor as possible, so long as it is relevant to your speech. Since you don't have to remember anything, your words should be smooth, genuine, and natural.
2. Pay attention to your judges
What many impromptu speakers fail to utilize is the ability to change, take out, and add things to your speech based on what your judges seem to take a liking to. If your judges seem older, they may like more traditional points, while a young judge may be more interested in references to pop culture. If your judge seems to perk up at the mention of one of your points, that's a sure sign they're a fan. Use this as an opportunity to appeal to their interests; this will make the speech more comfortable for both them and you. If they laugh at your jokes, be sure to keep throwing them in (just be sure not to overdo it!).
In the end, so long as you're a confident speaker with a good understanding of the basics, you'll be a successful impromptu speaker. With each event will come further wisdom and more improvements; your speaking will get more and more natural, and your points will improve each time. Perhaps you have a show or book you know you can always tie back to, and perhaps you know how to time your humor perfectly. Impromptu speaking, moreso than any other event, is one that you'll be able to apply to real-life situations; an impromptu speaker is a sharp thinker.
