Dragon Invitational

2021 — Collierville, TN/US

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Extemporaneous Speaking

Event Description:

In this event, the student demonstrates his knowledge of a wide range of topics, mostly dealing with current events, and the ability to speak without a prepared speech or notes.

A. Contest Requirements
The maximum time limit for speaking is seven (7) minutes. No notes are allowed during the presentation.

1. The Topics

   1. (a) There will be a pool of at least fifteen (15) current event questions. Each round

      will use a different pool of at least fifteen (15) questions.

   2. (b) The topics must be in the form of a question. The topics will be taken from

      standard periodicals (including but not limited to Time, Newsweek, US

      News and World Report) during the current school year.

   3. (c) After each round all topics used, as well as those rejected, are to be destroyed,

      so that no slips will be available for improper use. A new set of topics

      is to be used for the next round.

2. The Draw (conducted by tournament officials not the judge)

   Thirty minutes before the contest is to begin, the first speaker will draw three (3) topics, and within one minute choose one topic, and return the other two topics. The other contestants will draw in like manner, in the order of speaking, at intervals of eight (8) minutes. The contestant must keep his topic slip and give it to the judge.

3. Preparation

   1. (a) The contestant will withdraw and prepare a speech without consultation and

      without reference to prepared notes.

   2. (b) Students may have published books, magazines, newspapers, journals, internet

      news services or articles from these sources (original or photocopied in their entirety). A topical index without annotation may be present. No other materials will be allowed in the prep room. Prepared extemp speeches, out lines, and handbooks are barred from the extemp prep room.

4. The Speech

   1. (a) The maximum time limit for speaking is seven (7) minutes

      with a 30 second “grace” period.

   2. (b) No notes are allowed during the presentation.

   3. (c) Penalties will be imposed for exceeding the time limit.

   4. (d) During the speech, the speaker will receive hand signals from a

      timekeeper.

b. Judging criteria

The contestant will be evaluated on his/her ability to organize
and answer the question. He/she will also be judged on
general knowledge of the topic area and on use of this
knowledge to directly answer the question. Utilization of
speaking time should also be considered. Communication skills
-- a good, clear voice, natural gestures and movement, etc. – are also very important.