Quick Guide to Impromptu Speaking Competition

Students are given 3 topics and 7 minutes in total.  During the 7 minutes students will prepare and deliver a speech on ONE of the topics.  It is recommended that the speech be between 3.5 and 4 minutes.  Topics are usually casual and fun and not political.

Impromptu is a supplemental event for NSDA.  Students competing in this event will earn points in the Drama Event, i.e. 5 pts for 1st, 4pts for 2nd, etc per each round.

Topics: 

Topics will include proverbs, abstract words, events, quotations, and famous people.  From example:

  • Diamonds are Forever

  • No Country for Old Men

  • The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long

  • Dangerous Minds

  • Don’t Be Cruel

  • An apple a day keeps anyone away, if you throw it hard enough.

Drawing Topics:

A judge or proctor in each section/room shall be provided an envelope or list containing a uniform set of topics, with a different subject area used for each round.  On Zoom the proctor will cut and paste the topic into the chat and send it to the competitor, at which time the clock starts.

Each speaker will be given or will draw three topics.

Preparation and Delivery: 

The speaker has seven minutes in which to prepare a response and present a speech, preferably without notes.  Students may use the internet to research, but with limited time use of the internet is NOT recommended.  Although notes may be used it is recommended that students do not use them.

Time:

The maximum time limit is 7 minutes with a 30-second “grace period,” which includes both preparation and speaking. If there are multiple judges in the round, all must agree that the student has gone beyond the grace period. Should a student go beyond the grace period, the student may not be ranked above students within the grace period. 

Judging Criteria:

The ranking is up to each individual judge’s discretion. Judges who choose to time are to use accurate (stopwatch function) timing devices. No minimum time is mandated, although a 3-4 minute speech is recommended.

  • Topicality and Structure:

    • Does the speaker stay on topic? 

    • Does the speech have a theme and is the theme related to the topic? 

    • Does the speaker have a distinct structure to speech (easy to follow)?

  • Quality of Speech:

    • Is the speech at least 3 minutes? 

    • Does the speaker move the speech from point to point or is the speaker repetitive? 

    • Is the speech informative or entertaining?

  • Delivery, Verbal and Non-Verbal

    • Verbal Skills - Delivery 

      • Pronunciation/Enunciation 

      • Projection 

      • Vocal dramatics as needed *

      • Pacing /Pauses 

    • Non-Verbal Communication Skills 

      • Eye contact 

      • Appropriate Facial expressions 

      • Appropriate Gestures permitted but not required