Our Extemp Roundtable isn’t just another class. It’s an interactive workshop that begins tomorrow (and there’s still time to sign up) where students will learn how to:
- Research efficiently without feeling overwhelmed.
- Build a clear speech in just 20 minutes.
- Use their notecard strategically.
- Develop introductions and conclusions that capture attention.
- Deliver with confidence instead of panic.
Whether you’re brand new to Extemp, in any league, or looking to take your speeches to the next level, this Extemp Roundtable Camp will prepare you for the season ahead! Still not sure about Extemp… read on…
Why Extemp is One of the Most Valuable Events
Unlike other speech categories, extemp requires that students stay informed about the world around them and speak confidently about domestic and international issues without reading a script. Those are skills they’ll use in college, careers, ministry, and everyday conversations.
Coach Andrew Formo encourages all students to try extemp, even those who don’t love politics, because it helps you practice both your speaking and research skills. Andrew argues that extemp is a unique category that blends smooth delivery, off the cuff speaking, and deeply researched content in a way that “doesn’t get stale.” Extemp is never the same speech twice, and it forces you to combine the content you find in debate or platform speaking with the quick thinking of a limited prep.
Real World Applications
Extemp club will actually begin this week, July 16, at 7pm CST, because Coach Andrew received an invitation to join a political event last week, in which students from all 50 states and all US territories gathered in Washington, D.C. Students had the opportunity to question a panel of experts on a subject and discuss political issues as a group, with the goal of creating bipartisan agreement.
Reflecting on the event, Andrew felt that his time spent competing in extemp had prepared him well to participate. He noted that, because extemp requires you to research many different issues and prepare deep analysis, “I was able to bring insights from those speeches into discussions at this event.”
Extemporaneous Speaking teaches competitors to gather information quickly, think critically, organize their thoughts, and communicate with confidence- all under pressure. Those aren’t just speech skills… they’re life skills. Join us for Extemp Roundtable to learn strategies for success in this category.