IMPROMPTU ("Impromptu" - State): In this event, the student selects a topic and
prepares a speech on the spot with 2 minutes of preparation time; the speech is then
delivered with a time limit of 5 minutes. Students enter the room one at a time and are
given 3 topics to choose from. Speeches must stay on topic and should be well-organized.
Each round has a different type of topic - e.g. abstract words, current events, or
quotations. The student may make notes during preparation, but may not refer to notes
while giving the speech.
EXTEMPORANEOUS ("Extemp" - State/National): Students draw 3 topics, choose one,
and have 30 min. to prepare and memorize a 7-min. speech. Topics are based on current
events covered in Time, Newsweek, and U.S. News & World Report. Students may refer
to a file of magazine articles during speech preparation. National and Foreign Extemp
are separate events at most tournaments but may be combined at invitationals. No notes
are allowed while giving the speech.
SPONTANEOUS ARGUMENTATION ("Spar" - Stanford only): Spar is an impromptu form of debate, but students are judged on speaking ability rather than whether or not they "win." Each pair of speakers is given a topic to debate, flips for sides, and takes one
minute to prepare. Speaking times are: Aff- 2 min., Neg-2, Cross Ex-5, Aff-2, Neg-2.
During cross-examination, the speakers question each other and also take questions from
the audience. Students may refer to notes while speaking.
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Impromptu
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