JUDGING EXTEMP

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What is Extemp?

Extemp is a speech given by a speaker on one of three current issue topics after preparing for up to 25 minutes.

Timing

Students get 20 minutes to prepare their speech after being given the 3 questions/topics BUT they have already been given the topics Saturday night.

There is ONE set of questions for each round, not for each speaker.

Elementary students speak for up to 5 minutes.

Middle and High School students speak for up to 7 minutes.

If a student is 30+ seconds over time, you MUST stop them and they get ranked 1 lower.

What’s in a typical Extemp Speech?

Students may and should look at notes, the internet, computer documents, etc. to prepare their speeches.

Students were given the questions on Saturday night but may ask you for their questions which you should provide if they ask.

extemp-topics.htm

The speech typically includes:

Attention Getter

Transition into the question/topic—which is stated exactly as it is worded.

If needed, the speaker will explain the topic (including from their perspective if appropriate)

The speaker states their answer to the question AND states their point answering the question.

The speaker previews the 2-3 points/examples they will address to answer the question.

For each point, the speaker will provide analysis, examples, stories, references to experts/books/etc.
Their points and supporting material should prove their point as well as be engaging.

In Extemporaneous speaking, citing sources for the supporting material is important.
It is typical for an extemp speech to have 4 to 12 source citations (and more for some of the really high level speeches).

The speaker then concludes, usually summing up, showing they’ve proven their answer to the question,
and finishing up, often referring back to the attention getter.

Extemp Rules

1. Contestants may remain in the room as each receives different questions/topics.

2. Speakers CAN and should review notes, files, and can research on the internet.

3. Speakers should outline their speech on a notecard, sheet of paper, or an electronic device and use that outline when speaking although minimally so they focus on delivering to the judge/audience.

Feedback you can give

INTRODUCTION

___ I liked your introduction (state why)

___ Your intro needs to be longer-less abrupt

___ Your intro needs to be shorter-more concise.

___ Your intro needs more zip to increase interest

___ You need to state the topic/question in your introduction.

___ Answer the question more clearly

___ You should provide an overview of your speech’s main points

___ Your interpretation of the topic/question needs rethinking

THE BODY OF THE SPEECH

___ The body of your speech is good (state why)

___ You need to state your main points for clearer organization

___ Your main points need to support your position on the topic

___ You need more interesting examples, stories, etc.

___ You need stronger support for your points. Use experts, quotations, statistics, stronger reasons, etc.

___ You need more source citations in your speech (norm is 1 to 2 sources expected per each minute of the speech)

___ You need to address this issue/argument

___ Change your intro to fit the info in the body of your speech

CONCLUSION OF THE SPEECH

___ Don’t repeat to take up time (just finish)

___ I liked your conclusion (state why to the right)

___ Your conclusion needs to be longer/less abrupt

___ Your conclusion needs to be shorter/more concise

___ Your conclusion should not cover entirely new material

OVERALL IMPRESSION OF THE SPEECH

___ Your speech is good as a whole (state why)

___ You need stronger analysis and more insight in your speech

___ You need to provide stronger support for your position on the topic

DELIVERY
___ Good delivery	___ Cut out the ums and uhs
___ Read your notes less	___ Cut repeated words ok/like
___ Use better eye contact	___ Use more natural words
___ Look at the audience	___ Use more polished words
___ Work on your hand gestures	___ Speak more quickly
___ Work on your body posture	___ Speak slower/use pauses
___ Don’t lean on table/podium	___ Pronounce words clearer
___ Don’t pace during speech	___ Use voice better to get across the meaning
___ Don’t rock	___ Use more energy in voice
___ Move at key points	___ Speak louder
___ Stand closer to your judge	___ Speak softer
___ Stand further away	___ Use more natural delivery
___ Avoid sighing/breathing loud	___ Reduce set tone—vary your voice

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