The Trojan War
2026 — Rigby, ID/US
Impromptu Speaking
Event Description:
Time: 7 minutes (includes prep and speaking time), NO grace period. Time signals: provided
Purpose: Impromptu tests a student’s ability to analyze a prompt, process their thoughts, organize the points of the speech, and deliver them in a clear, coherent manner. Students’ logic is extremely important. They must be able to take a provided prompt and put together a speech that has a thesis and supporting information.
Procedure: Each speaker will be designated three topics from which to choose (topic are listed on your ballot, scroll to the bottom of the page!) and may use a total of 7 minutes between preparation and speaking. The contestant may take notes during the preparation time but may not refer to the notes during the presentation. Speakers may not use or reference any prepared notes during their speaking prep time. Electronics can only be used as a timer; notes cannot be taken electronically.
Topics: Topics will be news items for one round, abstract words for one round, and quotations for one round. In the final round, the contestant will receive one news item, one quotation, and one abstract word.
Time: If a student goes past the 7 minute limit, a timing violation will result in being dropped one rank by the judge. Judges should CLEARLY note a timing violation and confirm with the tab room before submitting your ballot. Students may time themselves for reference, but the judge is the official timekeeper of the round.
Performance: The presentation may not use physical objects or costuming.