Collierville Holiday Classic

2026 — Collierville, TN/US

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Impromptu Speaking

Event Description:

Impromptu Speaking

Judging Rules and Guidelines

THSSDL Rules for Impromptu

Impromptu

Impromptu is a limited prep event in which the speaker prepares and delivers a speech based on a drawn topic.

The speaker demonstrates an ability to prepare a well-organized speech in a limited time. The speech is not a

monologue or stand-up comic routine or a “canned speech”

. The student further demonstrates the ability to speak

without a fully prepared speech and notes. The speech may be serious and/or humorous, but must reflect the stu-

dent’s ability to organize and use communication and public speaking skills.

a. Contest requirements

1. The Topics

(a) (b) Topics can be from various subjects (including but not limited to quotations, song lyrics, lists of words,

historical figures, etc.).

A new pool of at least nine (9) topics will be used for each round.

2. The Draw

(a) (b) (c) (d) The judge will run the draw in the classroom.

The speaker will draw three (3) topics and choose one on which to speak. The other topics are returned to

the pool of topics for that round.

The speaker has a total of thirty (30) seconds to choose a topic on which to speak.

After the speaker has chosen a topic, prep and speaking time will begin.

3. Preparation

(a) (b) The student may use up to, but not exceed, four (4) minutes of the event’s total seven (7) minutes to

formulate their speech. However, the speaker may begin speaking at any point after time begins.

No research or source materials, including electronic retrieval devices may be consulted during

preparation.

(c) The speaker may make notes while preparing the speech, but notes may not be used during the speech.

4. The Speech

(a) (b) (c) (d) The student must speak for a minimum of three (3) minutes.

The speaker may not exceed a total time of seven (7) minutes with a 30 second “grace” period.

Penalties will be imposed for exceeding time limits.

Time signals will be given to the contestant during the prep time and the speaking time.

b. Judging Criteria

The contestant will be evaluated on his/her ability to organize and deliver a clear and concise speech based upon

the drawn topic. The contestant will also be judged by his/her original and creative approach to the drawn topic.

Utilization of prep and speaking time should be considered, as well as communication skills- a good, clear voice,

natural gestures and movement, etc. – are also very important.