Extemporaneous

Speech
• An extemporaneous speech is a planned
and prepared speech. Unlike memorized or
manuscript speeches which are delivered
word-for-word, an extemporaneous
speech is delivered with the help of short
notes and a clear outline.
• Most people who speak in public often
prefer the extemporaneous method of
delivery. Although it might look more
challenging than the manuscript or
memorized speeches, it is more
spontaneous and personal.
 Three Steps in
Studying your
Extemporaneous
Topic
1. Identify the type of extemporaneous
question that you have to answer.
• Is it a question of fact?
this type of question is typically
answerable by “Yes” or “No”. It revolves
around whether something is true or not,
existent or not?

Example:
Is Syria’s crisis a problem of the whole
world?
• Is it a question of value?
It is centered on whether a
topic is good or bad, moral or
immoral, just or unjust.

Example:
Is it better for the European
nations to step in and aid Syria or
ignore the country’s civil crisis?
• Is it a question of policy?
It is focused on what policy or
rule should be followed.

Example:
Should European countries
enforce laws to accommodate
Syrian refugees?
2. Determine the purpose
appropriate to your topic.

3. Stick to your topic and

look at all of the sides and
angles of the problem.
Exercise:
• Tell if each of the extemporaneous
topics below is a thesis statement to a
question of fact, question of value or a
question of policy.
1. Video games make their players
violent.
2. Marijuana should be legalized.
3. Using cell phones while driving is
dangerous.
4. Adoptees should have the right to know
who their parents are.
5. Zoos are not good for the conservation
of the species.
6. Examination results provide real
indication of ability.
7. Knowing your ancestry is important.
8. Absences cause students to fail a subject.
9. Love is more powerful than hate.
10.Forgiving is forgetting.
Steps in Preparing
for a Successful
Extemporaneous
Speech
1. Reinforce!
•You may explore other main
points, but always refer back
to your thesis. This will greatly
help your audience remember
your message.
2. Capture!
• State the central idea of your
extemporaneous speech in one
declarative sentence. Keep your
sentence specific. Ask yourself
what you want your audience to
know exactly.
3. Develop!
• Now that you have a clear central
idea, you are ready to map out
the supporting points in an
outline
4. Introduce!
• In the introduction , make sure you:
1. Grab the attention of the audience
with a striking one-liner.
2. Give a short background by
explaining why they have to listen.
3. State your thesis.
5. Check!
• Develop at least three main points
and check each of them with these
questions:
1. Does each point have one single
idea?
2. Does each point reiterate the thesis
statement?
3. Does each point prepare the
discussion of the next main point?
6. Supply!
• Make sure that each main point has
enough examples, testimonies,
statistics, or cases. In doing this,
you give the audience new
information or views to learn from.
7. Conclude!
• Reinforce your introduction by
coming up with a closing attention-
getter that is related to your opening.
Connect the needs and interest of
your audience with the theme of your
speech. Restate your thesis or review
your main points.
 Sample Outline for an
Extemporaneous Speech
I. Introduction
A. Opening attention-getter
B. The need to listen
C. Thesis statement
II. Body
A. Main Point 1
1. Subpoint 1
a. Evidence
b. Statistics
 2. Subpoint 2
a. Evidence
b. Statistics
B. Main Point 2
1. Subpoint 1
a. Evidence
b. Statistics
2. Subpoint 2
a. Evidence
b. Statistics
III. Conclusion
A. Closing attention-getter
B. Restatement of thesis or review of main points