Extemporaneous speech - or extemp - is the art of being speaking fluently and calmly in front of an audience, yet with no or very little preparation for the speech, and usually without aids such as prompt cards. The following are some examples of topics or questions you may be presented with in an extemporaneous speaking event: Should Kanye West be President?; What television shows should be banned and why?; Even though I just have a Saturday job as a waitress, will I become a millionaire?; What is your favorite sport and why?
Extemporaneous speaking is difficult, and even regular extemporaneous speakers encounter difficulties, so here are some tips to bear in mind.
• Make it sound spontaneous
This may seem obvious, but the whole point of extemping is to speak as you would in normal conversation. Don't be afraid of adding sound effects or facial expressions to your extemporaneous speech, as these are elements of spontaneous speech that are critical, and so should be including in your extemp.
• Use a structure
In order to help you remain calm and avoid panic whilst under pressure, remember to stick to a structured format when extemping. All good extemporaneous speeches follow a pattern of introduction, body and conclusion, even if they appear fluid and professional, or muddled and confused. By focusing on this three-part structure, you should be able to stay on track and ensure that your speech stays relevant to the topic or question you've been asked to discuss.
• Appear knowledgeable, even if you're not!
In some cases, you may have the opportunity to do a five or ten minute research session in preparation for your speech, in which case you should be able to stay focused and factual throughout. If you're not given this opportunity, and feel like you know nothing about the topic at hand, keep calm and remember not to panic. If you're genuinely lost for things to talk about, get into your "flow" by talking about whatever you think may be relevant to the subject. You'll find that ideas "just come to you" once you've started talking.
Extemporaneous speaking is difficult, and even regular extemporaneous speakers encounter difficulties, so here are some tips to bear in mind.
• Make it sound spontaneous
This may seem obvious, but the whole point of extemping is to speak as you would in normal conversation. Don't be afraid of adding sound effects or facial expressions to your extemporaneous speech, as these are elements of spontaneous speech that are critical, and so should be including in your extemp.
• Use a structure
In order to help you remain calm and avoid panic whilst under pressure, remember to stick to a structured format when extemping. All good extemporaneous speeches follow a pattern of introduction, body and conclusion, even if they appear fluid and professional, or muddled and confused. By focusing on this three-part structure, you should be able to stay on track and ensure that your speech stays relevant to the topic or question you've been asked to discuss.
• Appear knowledgeable, even if you're not!
In some cases, you may have the opportunity to do a five or ten minute research session in preparation for your speech, in which case you should be able to stay focused and factual throughout. If you're not given this opportunity, and feel like you know nothing about the topic at hand, keep calm and remember not to panic. If you're genuinely lost for things to talk about, get into your "flow" by talking about whatever you think may be relevant to the subject. You'll find that ideas "just come to you" once you've started talking.
