Extemporaneous Speech Topics

Having to deliver on extemporaneous speech topics can frustrate even the most experienced speaker who is typically prepared well in advance for the speech they are going to give. An individual practicing delivery of a speech with only limited time to prepare gains the skill to perform and persuade an audience freestyle without falling flat. 

What is the Goal of Speaking on Extemporaneous Speech Topics?

The goal of extemporaneous speaking (sometimes called extemp) is to briefly persuade or inform your audience on a question given to you to answer.

Giving an extemp speech does not always involve giving a statement for which there is no preparation time - sometimes you may have around 30 minutes to prepare.

Speaking impromptu, on the other hand, often involves being able to put your speech together in a coherent manner while speaking, employing personal word choices from one's developed vocabulary as well as exposing themes that may have been thought out in advance.

To give an unrehearsed speech, you are going to have to be familiar with the subject. The more intimately familiar you are with the question, the easier it will be for you to speak.

There's not a prepared outline of the subject matter that can be used to create this type of speech, but if preparation IS possible, then more time should be given to familiarizing yourself with the subject rather than writing the content out word for word.

Do Extemporaneous Speech Topics Follow a Pattern?

An extemporaneous type of speech can follow a specific pattern which tends to make it flow.

- You should have an introduction, where you discuss the information at hand with the audience and introduce them to any facts that they will need to know to follow the subject coherently.

- The body of the talk should tie in well with the introduction, offer facts for your particular argument and then flow right into the conclusion of the speech. Make sure that you do not open up the body of your talk in too many different directions or it will be hard to tie them all together in conclusion.

- The concluding part of your talk should reiterate the main points of the speech and then lead them through to a logical conclusion.

The best way to deal with spontaneously drawn extemporaneous speech topics is by use of an outline quickly prepared during the limited preparation time provided. One may remember the content of the framework after a few brief run-throughs in the speaker's mind, as opposed to trying to remember and prepare an entire speech in only a few minutes. If you have never worked from an outline before, you may want to do a little bit of research to learn how to use one effectively.

By putting the main points of the speech down in an outline and then speaking about them in an impromptu manner, it is easier to reach your audience on a personal level.

Why? Because you tend to speak in a more "down to earth" manner, even though you may be establishing yourself as an authority on your subject. The structure of your notes keeps you organized, and your personality and knowledge provide the full details of your presentation.

Although they are somewhat different from 'typical' speeches, extemporaneous speech topics tend to come out in a cleaner, easier to understand manner and are pretty fun once you've mastered them!

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