Most leagues provide impromptu speakers with several moments to plan their talk and a note card to create a short summary. The worthwhile impromptu speaker understands taking advantage of these types of resources and never wasting them.
However, let’s say you know how to use these tools, but aren’t clear exactly how. Relax and keep reading.
Understand the fundamental framework
Think of an impromptu speech like any type of document you would create for college. The fundamental structure is Introduction, Body and Conclusion. Knowing this, making variations is easy.
If you are trying to solve a problem, it is a wise decision to alter the fundamental structure by adding Solution after the Body (Introduction, Body, Solution, and Conclusion). If you’re trying to make a point, discrediting the opposition’s point of view provides power, so provide a bit about The Resistance (Introduction, Body, The Resistance, and Conclusion).
When it comes to your body, there are no right answers to the number of sentences you should have. It will depend on which one works best for your speech.
Outlining on your note card is simple, so don’t feel nervous!
After writing the schematics, I lean towards the informal ones where I simply create headings and use hyphens to break up my support and specify what I want to say:
Introduction: what is my thesis and exactly what am I using as support?
Body 1: Details/Examples, Supporting Assessment One
Body 2: details/examples, Evaluation of support two
(Sometimes) Body 3: details/examples, Assessment of support three
Conclusion: recap/result
Keep in mind that a formal schematic often takes longer to create, as it is extremely comprehensive. Also, be sure to write clearly so you don’t miss out on important points. Also, don’t rely too much on your outline.
The note card is there to help and remind you of the framework, not to be your crutch. Also, he creates an outlining system that he is comfortable with. He doesn’t want to be giving his speech, looking at his outline and having no idea what thought will go where.
Keep in mind that almost every impromptu will be arranged in a different way depending on the theme. Some platforms are more effective than others. However, understanding the basics of a regular speech and the outline are the tools you need to go from beginner to pro, and you’re bound to shine while giving your speech.