1. Basic Description - A public address event where the student will draw a  question on a foreign, domestic or social issue, prepare an answer for the question and give it in the form of a speech.

A. Time Limit - 45 minutes to prep, 6 minutes to deliver

2. Information Sources - The student is  responsible for bringing his or her own "files" to the meet. These files may  not contain prewritten answers to questions. Typically, the student will cut articles from appropriate sources and file then in folders for all of the areas questions may come from. A major part of this event is the creation and upkeep of these files.

A. Magazine Sources - The Economist, US News and World Report, World Press Review, Newsweek, Time, etc.

B. Newspaper Sources - Christian Science Monitor, New York Times, Chicago Tribune, etc.

C. Books and Texts - Many student can quote  from their classroom text and depending on the question, it may be quite appropriate.

D. Internet - The availability of an  assortment of periodicals on the Internet presents an alternative to the  traditional cut and paste method of creating files. Students can access the  same sources you would have previously ordered (even the immortal Jerusalem  Post!) and print articles for their files.  Also, they can search specific topics that they need files for in several academic search engines.  Yahoo(www.yahoo.com) has quite an assortment of periodicals free of charge.

3. Speech Outline - The speech should have an identifiable introduction,  body paragraphs and a conclusion. The biggest  mistake that young extempers make is to not do this!

A. Intro - (1-2 min app.)  The intro is the  most important part of the speech because it sets the tone and provides organization for the speaker.  It is probably the only part of the speech that should be memorized. It is composed of four distinct parts - a teaser, the  presentation of the question, the thesis and a preview statement.

1. Teaser - This is your chance to really catch your audience (the judge) and interest them. It also allows you your best  opportunity to showcase your speaking skills and humor. It is here that you want  to connect to your judge so they will be receptive to listening to your  analysis. Personal anecdotes,  humorous stories or appropriate analogies are all  good.  Warning! - Long stories may be fun to listen to but will cause serious time problems when the 6 minute limit is enforced.  Also, make sure  the stories you tell are appropriate both to your topic and how you intend to  answer the question.  As funny as it is, the old Winston Churchill drinking story is not appropriate to all questions.

2. Presentation of the question - Very simple and sometimes awkward to the student who is a fine writer, but quite necessary  for the judge. Do your teaser, connect it to the question, then say, "that is why we ask the question...."  A very common mistake is to omit the one sentence that connects the teaser to the question.  Avoid big jumps!

3. Thesis - Answer the question!  Be  specific!  If the question concerns the chances for peace in the Middle East say they are good or they are poor. Don't beat around the bush.

4. Preview Statement - Show how you are going  to prove what you have just said.  "We will see this by first looking at this, then at...., then....."  This final sentence of the introduction is very important in allowing the judge to follow your speech.

B. Body Paragraphs - (3-4 min) Here is where you will prove your thesis, developing all of your points and giving support for your statements. The most common forms of organization are two points (each with two subpoints) and three points. Make sure that for each of your points or subpoints you do two things:  1. Cite from a published source.  2. Take the time to explain your point to your  audience.  Don't ask us to believe it just because the U.S. News said it;  teach us! The simplest way to do this is  to begin with a quote from a source (According to the Dec. 12, 1998 issue of the  U.S. News and World  Report....") then explain what it means. More experienced  speakers can integrate citations into their speech in a variety of ways. Try to make the analysis yours, rather than your sources.

C. Conclusion -(1 min)  Take us out of your speech the exact way you brought us in, just opposite. Begin your conclusion  with a restatement of your preview,  restate your thesis and question, then finish by going back to the teaser you began with. Again, here is your chance to leave us with your best speaking skills and reconnect with your audience.

4. Performance Tips

A. Do not try to memorize your whole speech. Instead, develop a personal style of speaking that you can be consistent with.   This will include transitions, methods of introducing sources, and  organization. It is a good idea to memorize your introduction and transitions between points. Remember, when a performer begins to struggle with a  memorized speech they get that vacant look as they search their memories for a  picture of their speech.  They usually look for it on the back of their eyelids!  judge can feel this from across the room.

B. Converse with the judge and audience.  Simply teach your audience the answer to your question. Be conversational in  your delivery.

C. Blocking - Even in the typically tight quarters of extemp rounds, it is appropriate to move during your speech. An extemp speech can be blocked the same way as any public address speech , just  with smaller movements since most of the time it is just you and the judge. Begin in front with your teaser, then take a small step forward with the  presentation of your question.  Move with each of your points, remembering not  to go too far since you have only one judge most of the time.

D. Utilize your preparation time  effectively.  Having complete and well  organized files will save a lot of  time. Usually the first 15 minutes can be  used for thinking and organizing an answer, the next 15 minutes for putting together an outline with support evidence, and the last 15 minutes memorizing  your introduction and transitions. With practice, you will be able to get the  first two parts done quicker,  leaving more time for rehearsal and  memorization.

E. Note cards - Though they are legal, they ought not be overused.  They  provide quite a barrier between the performer and  judge and put the speaker in a reading state, rather than a speaking state. If  you have to use them, try not to read off them, only referring to them for organization or citations.  Remember,  their use will probably be a factor in ranking. Often, it is only a question of confidence in weaning a speaker off of  them.

F. Internal organization - This is basically the use of transitions between  points to sum up where you have been and preview where you are going. You begin  the process with the preview statement in your introduction and build on it as  you move from point to point. The simpler you make it, the easier it is for a judge to keep up with you.  However, it makes  for quite an awkward speech as you are constantly repeating yourself.  Practice  will allow you to come up with smoother transitions which will incorporate both your last point and preview the  point to come. This also can become a problem with time as the 6 minute limit is  enforced.  Be as efficient as you can in doing this!