Extemporaneous Speaking

An Introduction to UIL Informative

and Persuasive Speaking
Credit: UIL Informative and Persuasive Speaking Handbook
 What is Extemporaneous Speaking?!
“Extemp” is defined as an Informative or Persuasive Speech
which has not been prepared prior to the day of contest, though
considerable preparation goes into gathering files and
general knowledge before a tournament happens.
 What Do I Get Out of Competing in Extemp?!
Everyday Skills: analyze an audience, organizational skills, effective
communication, success within a timeframe

Citizenship Skills: current issues and important people, issue analysis,

evaluation of biases and values within journalistic sources

Continuing Education Skills: research tools, logical development of ideas,

comprehension and vocabulary through extensive reading
What’s The Difference Between Informative and Persuasive Extemp?
Informative
The purpose of this contest is to stimulate an active interest in current affairs at the state, national and
international levels, and to teach the student to present facts extemporaneously in a clear and impartial
manner. This contest is an exercise in clear thinking and informing the public on the issues and concerns
of the American people. The objective is to orally present information in an interesting way, and an attempt
should not be made to change the listener’s mind beyond presenting the information. -UIL Handbook
-Present Facts clearly and in a logical order
-Inform the Audience about current issues and events using Journalistic
Information
-Make the Information interesting
-Do not attempt to change the minds of the audience
What’s The Difference Between Informative and Persuasive Extemp?
Persuasive
The purpose of this contest is to train students to analyze a current issue, determine a point of view, and
then organize and deliver extemporaneously a speech that seeks to persuade listeners to agree with that
viewpoint. The objective is to reinforce the views of listeners who already believe as the speaker does and to
bring those of neutral or opposing views around to the speaker’s beliefs or proposed course of action. This
oral contest should especially appeal to those who have a strong argumentative urge and who wish to advocate
reforms or outline solutions for current problems.
-Analyze a Current Issue
-Determine A Point of View and Prove your conclusion using Journalistic
evidence
-Persuade the Audience to Agree with your Point of View
 Contest Rules and Information
SPEECHES

-Speeches should be no longer than 7 minutes. At 7 minutes, the speaker may finish the sentence
without disqualification
-No minimum time
-The speaker may use one 3x5 notecard. There is no limit to the quantity of information included
on the notecard.
-All source citations must be from legitimate Journalistic sources.
 Restrictions in the Preparation Room

Materials ALLOWED During the Draw

1. Magazines, newspapers, journals. Examples: Newsweek, Dallas Morning News, Wall Street Journal, Foreign Affairs that may be
highlighted in one color and include written citation information, but with no added annotations
(explanatory notes or comments).
2. Other published source materials. Example: reference books, atlas, book of quotations.
3. Published speeches. Examples: the presidential State of the Union address, Vital Speeches.
4. Online materials. Examples: printouts of published material from computer online data services if not modified or not in
outline form that include the downloaded URL/copyright
5. Index without annotation. Example: computer or handwritten list of subject titles/dates of magazines or folders included in the files.
6. Computers or other electronic retrieval devices as specified in the UIL ERD Guidelines.
 Restrictions in the Preparation Room
Materials not allowed during the draw
1. Outlines. Examples: multi-colored highlighted articles that could be interpreted as an outline,
outlines from previous speeches, debate briefs, pre-prepared outlines on possible topics.
2 Prepared notes, extemp speeches, debate evidence handbooks. Examples: extemp subscription
service analyses, database summaries of multiple sources on a specific topic.
3. Unpublished handwritten or typed material other than an index. Examples: one or more articles
cut and pasted into a single document, previously used extemp notecards, flow of a debate round.
4. Index with annotations. Example: article title, with added comment, “great pro-con global
warming.”
5. Smart phones and cell phones
Note: Examples are not all-inclusive.
 Restrictions in the Preparation Room
Electronic Retrieval Devices in the Draw

A. Computers and other electronic retrieval devices are defined as: laptop, tablet and netbook
computers, other portable electronic retrieval devices and secondary devices such as flash drives
and external hard drives.

B. Cell phones or smartphones are not allowed during the contest.

C. Computers may be used only if the wireless capability is disabled. It is the responsibility of the
contestant to disable the equipment.
 Restrictions in the Preparation Room
Electronic Retrieval Devices in the Draw

D. Wired connections (Ethernet or phone) during the contest are not permitted.

E. Computers or other electronic equipment may not be used to receive information from any
sources (coaches or assistants included) inside or outside the preparation room. Internet access,
use of e-mail, instant messaging or other means of receiving information from sources inside
or outside the preparation room are prohibited. This statement does not preclude the use of timing
devices.
 Restrictions in the Preparation Room
Electronic Retrieval Devices in the Draw

F. Contestants may utilize allowable devices for the purpose of accessing stored files, but shall not
use them to outline their speech or otherwise organize their thoughts.

G. The contestant shall not remove the electronic retrieval devices from the preparation area
until after the contestant’s speech has been delivered.
H. Devices must be muted in the preparation room during the contest. Contestants should not play
games or engage in other distracting activities on their electronic devices. Tournament officials
may ask a contestant to power off the device if it becomes distracting.
I. Contestants from the same school may share computers during preparation. However,
conversing among contestants is not allowed.
 Restrictions in the Preparation Room
A. Contestants electing to use computers are responsible for providing their own computers and batteries.
Tournaments hosts shall not be responsible for providing computers for contestants.
B. Power plugs or outlets may not be used in the preparation room at any time.
C. Contestants who choose to use laptop computers accept the risk of equipment failure. Should equipment
failure occur, no special considerations or accommodations, including additional preparation time or
speech time, will be given by judges, contest directors or tournament hosts.
D. Contestants accept full responsibility for the safety and security of their electronic retrieval devices
throughout the entirety of all UIL tournaments. Contestants, parents and coaches should be aware that
contestants are bringing and using the computers at their own risk. UIL is not responsible for lost, stolen
or broken computers. By choosing to use electronic retrieval devices in the preparation room, contestants
are consenting to allow tournament officials to monitor their files. Contestants who do not wish to
consent should not use electronic retrieval devices.
Now that I know the rules, How do I prepare a speech at a Tournament?
 Contest Rules and Information
SPEECH PREPARATION AND THE DRAW

-Speakers will Blind Draw 5 topic Questions from an envelope. Speakers are generally
called every 10 minutes.
-Choose one topic to prepare for your speech.
-Speakers will have 30 minutes to prepare their speeches.
-Topics will be general areas of politics, social issues, economic issues, education, and
cultural issues.
-There is no talking during the draw.
 Draw Procedures
Speakers will be divided by:
-Informative or Persuasive
-Section # (Includes Room #)
-Speaker #

During the Draw, students will be called according to their speaker number,
and They should draw topics from the envelope with their Section Number.
Persuasive
ROUND ONE- 9:30 am

SECTION ONE ROOM 111 JUDGE: Huber SECTION THREE ROOM

113 JUDGE: TORRES
1. Bob Smith 1.
Daniel Smith
2. Brenda Smith 2.
Dana Smith
3. Bill Smith 3.
Dave Smith
4. Barbara Smith 4.
Donna Smith
5. Bailey Smith 5.
Donald Smith

SECTION TWO ROOM 112 JUDGE: CardenaS Section Four

 How Do I Decide Which Topic To Choose?

- Do you know anything about any of the topics already?

- For Which topic(s) do you have files? Do you have diverse and specific info?
- Do you understand the question well enough to develop ideas with detail?
- What is the Degree of Difficulty for each question?
- Choose a question that is challenging but that you can successfully
discuss
- Avoid any topics your coach may not want you to use
 How SHould I Divide Up My Time During Prep?
This is Just a Suggestion...Do What Works for you!

1. Choose your topic as quickly as you can. Go with your instincts!

2. Use 10 minutes jotting down the outline of your points and framing your
analysis. This is an outline...do not try to write out the language of your
speech. You might decide your points based on the articles you can find.
3. 5-10 minutes plugging in the citations for your support
4. Use the rest of the time to practice delivering the speech...students will often
walk around the back of the room. You remember on your feet!
How Do I Construct a Speech?
Basic Outline
I. Hook
II. Body 1
III.Body 2
IV. Body 3
V. Conclusion
 The Introduction: Set Up For Success
-The Introduction is your time to capture your judge’s attention and establish the organizational flow of your speech.

1. Attention-Getting Device: an interesting quote, statistic, or analogy that connects to the topic in a unique,
descriptive way. (ex: fairy tales, movies, books, popular culture references)
2. Transition into Topic: Describe the link between the AGD and the Topic Question
3. State the Topic Question: you should quote it exactly as it appears on the paper
*If it is a PERSUASIVE SPEECH, you must also provide a “Yes” or “No” answer to the topic question
4. In order to answer this question, we will examine the following areas of analysis: 1…, 2…., 3...
*Just list them...no explanation necessary*
5. Topic Justification: why should we be discussing this topic? Why is it important?
6. Transition into Body of Speech: use segues to move between parts of the speech
 Attention-Getting Device (AGD)
- Analogy
- Imagery (paint an image with words that serves as a metaphor for topic)
- Startling Statistic or Fact
- Anecdote (use humor, fairy tales, parables, fables, movies, or books)
- Personal Experience
- Quote
- Reference to a historical event (make sure the connection is clear)
- Rhetorical Question
 The Body of the Speech: Point 1, 2, 3
-Choose 3 areas of analysis that clearly answer the question. These should be distinct from each
other and should clearly relate to the topic.
-If background information is needed in order to understand the analysis, provide it briefly at
the beginning of the point.
-The body of your speech is where you should include supportive evidence from Journalistic
sources. At a minimum, you should have one citation per area of analysis. However, using more
citations is always better.
-Citations must be from legitimate sources. The date should also be cited accurately. When you use
a citation, you want to give the name of the source and the exact month, day, year whenever
possible. If not, you should give the month and year at a minimum.
-Use the citations to prove or support the accuracy of your analysis in answering the topic
question.
-Extend your AGD throughout your 3 points.
 A Quick Note...
When choosing the 3 points of your speech, Analyze the question
carefully.
What is it really asking me? What is the main focus of the Question?

Be sure you have actually answered the actual question

...do not let your speech become extra topical.
 Consider the Four “S”s for speech organization

1. Signpost/Transition Words… “Initially” “First” “Second” “Next” “Finally”

2. State the Key Idea...This should be how you title each point of your speech

3. Support the Idea...Statistics, quotes, examples, logic, illustrations, experts

4. Summarize the Idea...internal summaries at the end of each point that refer back to
the topic question
The “Four S’s of Speech Making” were developed by Dr. George Grice, formerly of the Department of Speech and Drama, Trinity University, San Antonio, TX.
 How Do I Decide How to Organize My Speech?

INFORMATIVE SPEAKING PERSUASIVE SPEAKING

-Topical Organization -Topical Organization

Ex: What challenges does Greece face? Ex: Africa’s Ebola crisis: What should be the
I. Economic Challenges international response?
II. Social Challenges I. Medical Assistance
II. Economic Assistance
 How Do I Decide How to Organize My Speech?

INFORMATIVE SPEAKING PERSUASIVE SPEAKING

-Chronological Organization -Chronological Organization

Ex: What are the latest developments in Syria? Ex: Has America battled racism effectively?
I. Origin of Controversy I. Civil Rights Movement
II. Opposition Organizes II. Affirmative Action Legislation
III. International Pressure III. Recent Racial Issues
 How Do I Decide How to Organize My Speech?

INFORMATIVE SPEAKING Persuasive Speaking

-Spatial Organization -Spatial Organization

EX: How has the US used foreign policy efforts EX: How successful are recent United Nation’s
to win the war on drugs? peacekeeping efforts?
I. Mexico I. Mali
II. Colombia II. Haiti
III. Afghanistan III. Sudan
 How Do I Decide How to Organize My Speech?
INFORMATIVE SPEAKING Persuasive Speaking

- Pro/Con Organization -Pro/Con Organization

EX: Gene therapy: What is the controversy? EX: Should mandatory drug testing be
I. Supporters (pro) implemented in America’s public schools?
II. Opponents (con) I. Arguments for mandatory drug testing
II. Arguments against mandatory drug testing
III. Defense of stronger position (assessment)
 How Do I Decide How to Organize My Speech?
Persuasive SPEAKING Persuasive Speaking

-Past, Present, Future Organization -Problem-Solution Organization

EX: Can peace be achieved between Israel and the EX: How can the US best meet the needs of the poor?
Palestinians? I. Problems of the poor
I. Past A. Housing Needs
A. Establishment of Israel B. Medical Needs
B. History of relations C. Employment needs
II. Present II. Solution
A. Current relations A. Public Housing
B. International proposals for peace B. National health insurance
III. Future C. Job training and public works
A. Proposed peace plans will work
B. Action should be taken
 How Do I Decide How to Allot Time Within My Speech?

-What does the topic question ask me to focus on? Dedicate the most time within
your speech to the heart of the question.

-What is your strongest point? Spend more time here. Assign your time
according to the strength of your points. Present in order of: second strongest,
weakest, strongest.

-Introduction and Conclusion should each account for roughly 30 seconds of

your speech. This leaves 6 minutes for topic analysis.
 How Do I Use Citations in my Speech?
1. Citations should be current.
a. Use the most recent periodicals and articles you can find. File everyday
b. Buy newspapers on the way to the tournament...you can read these while you’re waiting to draw
c. Stay up to date with developments of ongoing stories...you can be sure your judges do

2. Citations must be properly cited.

A. Include name of source, month/day/year. If you have an internal quote, cite that person,
too.
B. This is a matter of Sportsmanship and Ethics. No source should be fabricated or altered.
C. If the author’s credentials would add to the speech, you can include that

3. Citations should be from varied sources.

A. Local, National, International
B. Variety of Newspapers, Magazines, and Journals
 The Conclusion
-Transition into your Conclusion “So, when considering the question…”

-Restate your 3 areas of analysis. Do not reanalyze them. Just List.

-Closing Statement
Tie it back to your AGD
End with a statement of finality and conclusion
 What Do I Do When My 30 Minutes are up?
-The contest director will call for your speaker number to “go to your room”

-You will take your notecard and your topic slip to your room. Do not take
anything else out of the prep room. No papers, no computers, no phones

-There may be a host there who can escort you to your room

-Go directly to your room and do not speak to anyone on the way there

-If the speaker before you is still in the room, wait outside the door and rehearse

-Give your topic slip to the judge to record on the ballot

 What are Judges looking for?
Language Choices
-Academic but Conversational Vocabulary choices. You should sound like You!
-Precise sentences that are grammatically correct. Don’t talk too much….Don’t talk too little.
WORD ECONOMY IS IMPORTANT IN EXTEMP!
-Fluent, natural transitions

Vocal Delivery
-Volume should be easily heard but appropriate to the size of the room
-Clear, precise diction
-Pacing. Not too fast….varied for interest
-Vocal variety for emphasis where appropriate
 What are Judges looking for?
Physical Delivery
-Eye Contact with the judge or all of the judges if there is a panel
-Posture and stance
-Natural hand gestures
-No use of props
-Planned steps to provide emphasis to the parts of the speech...no wandering!
-Notecards should be integrated and not distracting during the speech
-Professional dress
-Vocal and Physical style should be interesting without being distracting
-Delivery should be natural
-Delivery should reinforce the effectiveness of the speech
 What can I do to get ready?
-File! File!! File!!!
-Read a variety of news sources everyday
-Sign up your phone or email to get notifications from various news sources so that you know
when things happen
-Practice speeches in class in front of an audience...fill out ballots for each other
1. Start by drawing a topic and taking it home to create the perfect speech then present it in
class
2. Then try running a “draw” during class- 30 minutes (or less) to prepare and deliver
3. Do timed “Outline” drills where a student has a time limit to draw a topic, outline
the parts, and find the sources. This helps with learning how to research and
organize thoughts quickly.
-ALWAYS practice in front of a mirror or a video recorder- you need to see yourself!
 Practice Materials & Filing
1. Download the Extemp Handbook for free from the UIL website
2. UIL will publish practice topics periodically on the website for free
3. You can create your own topic questions
4. You can debrief questions you hear at tournaments
5. Have your kids write topic questions- it’s a great way to learn how to analyze the
wording
6. Study speeches- you can purchase DVDs of State speeches from the UIL website

1. Prepd (subscription based)

2. Extemp Genie (subscription based)
*Be sure that electronic files will be available in an offline mode-Chromebooks*
 Questions?
Emily E Huber
Bandera High School
[email protected]