Big 8 Forensics Conference Tournament

2021 — Online, WI/US

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Extemporaneous Speaking

Event Description:

Purpose of the Category

To develop skills in locating and recalling information that can be brought to bear in the construction of a clear and coherent message in a limited period of time.

Definition of the Category

The extemporaneous speech should provide a direct response to the question drawn. The challenge to the speaker is to phrase a clear proposition and support it with contentions, which in turn, are supported with evidence and reasoning. Questions will be based on current events.

Rules

1. The speech is to be original with the participant, who may consult published books, magazines, newspapers and journals or articles therein, including printed or copies of information from online services as well as the original source material from the online source provided: (a) they are originals or copies of the originals; (b) that original articles or copies are intact or uncut; (c) there is no written material on that original or copy other than source attribution and date; and (d) topical index without annotation may be present. No other material shall be allowed in the prep room, including prepared speeches, handbooks, briefs and outlines. Underlining or highlighting in the prep room will be allowed. Internet enabled data storage and retrieval devices are allowed. Please review the specific guidelines for use of electronics in Extemp.

2. [VIRTUAL FORMAT] - Students are given up to 24 hours to prepare their speech but may not consult with other people about the speech content.

3. [Optional in virtual] Before speaking, the participant must provide the judge with the question card actually drawn.

4. Notes are permitted but limited to both sides of one 4" x 6" card. The tournament shall provide uniform, identifiable 4" x 6" cards [unless virtual]. Use of a notecard is subject to critique. Visual aids are not permitted.

5. Maximum time limit: 7 minutes, with an allowable 15-second grace period. There is no minimum time requirement. Any entry exceeding the grace period may not be ranked first in the round. If all entries in a round exceed the grace period, no first rank shall be given in that round. Contestants may use a stopwatch, or have another student give them time signals. Judges are not required to give time signals.

Criteria for Evaluation

1. The extent to which a direct and well-defined response to the question chosen was provided.

2. The extent to which the ideas were analyzed and organized.

3. The extent to which the main ideas were supported with worthwhile evidence.

4. The extent to which the presentation reflected effective language skills, including such items as use of transitions and clear, vivid and appropriate word choices. Individual judges may lower the rank due to use of profanity or vulgarity.

5. The extent to which delivery techniques were clear and appropriate, including such items as vocal articulation, pronunciation, volume, rate, pitch, and voice quality as well as facial expression, eye contact, gesture, and bodily movement.