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Impromptu speaking is a speech that a person delivers without predetermination or preparation. The speaker is most commonly provided with their topic in the form of a quotation, but the topic may also be presented as an object, proverb, one-word abstract, or one of the many alternative possibilities. While specific rules and norms vary with the organization and level of competition, the speeches tend to follow basic speech format and cover topics that are both humorous and profound.

Collegiate impromptu speaking

Impromptu speaking is an individual event offered and regulated by both the National Forensic Association (NFA) and the American Forensics Association (AFA), both of whom follow nearly identical formats in proctoring the event. Both organizations provide seven minutes of time to be allocated between speaking and preparation as the speaker sees fit, allow minimal notes (usually a 3"x5" index card) to be used, and provide undisclosed prompts to determine the speech's topic.

While the competitor's success and ranking is ultimately determined by the judge's decision, there are several general criteria that many competitors and judges adhere to:

• Experienced speakers are generally expected to avoid exceeding two minutes of preparation time, with some speakers preferring to use only one minute or less.
• The speaker is to create an interpretation of the prompt and use it to establish an argument/thesis that the speech will support.
• The speaker is heavily encouraged to use examples (e.g. historical events) in the "body" of their speech to support their argument.
• Advanced speakers often use theories in conjunction with examples that illustrate them.
• As with any competitive speech, the speaker is expected to offer a clear and defined structure in their speech.
• Competitors are advised to avoid giving pre-prepared, or "canned" impromptu speeches.

Neither the AFA nor NFA regulate specific speech formats to be used by competitors, however there are two formats that are predominantly used:

Two point format:

I. Introduction (Attention getter, interpretation of prompt, argument/thesis)
II. First main point
   A. Supporting example
   B. Supporting example
III. Second main point
   A. Supporting example
   B. Supporting example
IV. Conclusion

Three point format:

I. Introduction
II. First main point
   A. Supporting example
III. Second main point
   A. Supporting example
IV. Third main point
   A. Supporting example
V. Conclusion

Editorial impromptu

In 2008, the National Forensic Association introduced a new form of impromptu competition. In this experimental event, students were given a short editorial (ideally 3 to 5 paragraphs) to which they developed a response. Students were allowed nine minutes to divide between preparation and speaking. Speakers were required to speak for at least five minutes. Limited notes, prepared in the round, were permitted. The speech was intended to involve the development of an argument in response to the thesis or opinion shared in a given editorial. The event was offered at the National Championship Tournament only twice. Stan Polit from Northwestern University was the 2009 champion and Joshua Hiew from Northwestern University was the 2011 champion.

High school competitions

Typically in high school speech competitions, a competitor is given 30 seconds to select a topic from a set of topics (usually three). The competitor will then have 5 minutes to compose a speech of five minutes with a 30-second grace period. There is a general outline for impromptu speeches, it is as follows:

1. Introduction/roadmap (1 minute)
2. First section (1 minute)
3. Second section (1 minute)
4. Third section (1 minute)
5. Conclusion (1 minute)

The introduction begins with an attention-getter, the statement of the topic and an outline of the speech. The conclusion is usually like the introduction except backwards, ending with a profound statement, although a lighthearted ending is also accepted. For the three body points, there are many kinds of formats that can be used. For example, if the topic is a quote, a competitor may go over how the quote is true, how the quote is false, and why he or she believes what he or she believes. Other examples are: past, present, future; local, national, international. More advanced speakers will use formats that look deeper into a subject such as: physical, moral, intellectual; books, video, digital (media.)

However, many speakers choose not to follow a format at all. That being said, most beginners who fail to follow a solid format often find themselves lost in a jumble of ideas.

Judging usually involves one judge in the preliminary round, one to three judges in the semi-finals/qualifying round, and a panel of three judges in the finals round. Judges look for overall coherency, impact, and confidence, and usually overlook basal errors due to the short preparation time.

Past champions in impromptu speaking

Past AFA Champions

Past NFA Champions

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 tournament was canceled. However, the NFA permitted competitors in their senior year to submit recordings of their speeches for an asynchronous competition. The top performing student in each category was ranked as the Performance of Highest Distinction. The Performance of Highest Distinction in Impromptu Speaking was awarded to Andrew Yohanan from Bradley University.

Past NSDA Champions

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NSDA permitted competitors in 2020 and 2021 to submit recordings of their speeches for a Prepared Prompt Speaking competition. In Prepared Prompt, students were given a list of topics prior to the tournament, selected one prompt from the official list, prepared a speech, and submitted it through the recording process. The 2020 champion was Sarah George (Marquette HS, Missouri) and the 2021 champion was Nya Ware (Southland College Prep Charter HS, Illinois).

References

1. "San Diego Christian College Event Descriptions". Archived from the original on 2013-12-19.
2. "AFA-NIET Event Descriptions" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-12-21.
3. "NFA Rules for Individual Events". Archived from the original on 2013-12-19.
4. "Pi Kappa Delta Impromptu Event Description" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-12-19.
5. ^ "Gustavus Adolphus College Forensics – Impromptu Speaking".
6. "NFA Editorial Impromptu Rules". Archived from the original on 2013-12-19.
7. "2024 NFA Booklet" (PDF). nationalforensicassociation.org. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
8. "Texas Speech: Individual National Champions". commstudies.utexas.edu. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
9. "2024 NFA Booklet" (PDF). nationalforensicassociation.org. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
10. "Competition Events" (PDF). speechanddebate.org. Retrieved 2024-10-01.

External links

• Impromptu Speech Topics, How to Handle Impromptu Speeches
• Impromptu Shuffle Impromptu Speaking App
• Organizing an Impromptu Speech Using Unified Analysis

• North American debating competitions