JUDGING IMPROMPTU

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What is Impromptu?

Impromptu is a speech on one of two or three topics after preparing for a short time.

Timing

Impromptu Speeches are 6 minutes long including the preparation time for ALL ages/grade levels.

(If a student takes 0-30 seconds prep, it is outstanding; 30 seconds to 1 minutes it is very good; 1 to 1.5 minutes it is okay/standard;
1.5 to 2 minutes means their prep needs work; over 2 minutes is too long—should be shorter)

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

What’s in a typical Impromptu Speech?

You, the judge, provide the topics to the speaker and begin the timer.

impromptu-topics.htm

The speaker prepares their speech.

The speech typically includes:

Attention Getter

Transition into the 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 the point they will make about the topic.

The speaker previews the 2-3 points/examples they will address to show their point.

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.

The speaker then concludes usually summing up, showing the importance of what they said,
and finishing up, often referring back to the attention getter.

Impromptu Rules

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

2. Speakers cannot read/look at notes made before they received the topic, the internet, etc. during prep time.
They can create and use an outline of their speech on a notecard, sheet of paper, or an electronic device
(but again, no researching on the internet, looking at files on your electronic device in impromptu speaking).

Feedback you can give

___ You should spend less time preparing and more speaking

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 in your introduction.

___ State your position on the topic

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

___ Your interpretation of the topic/quotation 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 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

___ 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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