How to Write an Extemporaneous Speech - For College Students

How to Write an Extemporaneous Speech

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How to Write an Extemporaneous Speech

How fast can you compose and present a speech? Is it possible to complete it within an hour? What about 30 minutes? Although it appears challenging at first, it is not as difficult as it seems. Continue reading if you aspire to prepare a fantastic speech in such a timeframe.

Many types of speech exist. Some common types are entertaining, persuasive, motivational, and debate speeches. In addition, we have another type, though not common, known as extemporaneous speech. The main difference between this speech and many others is that this one is prepared in a few minutes.

This guide will thus show you how to write an extemporaneous speech and methods for getting for it. If you are looking for an expert to assist you in writing it, look no further. We have tens of them on our team. Engage our writers, and we'll assign one to your case.

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First, let's look at what an extemporaneous speech is.

What is an Extemporaneous Speech?

An extemporaneous speech is where the speaker is supposed to prepare for it quickly and present it, usually in less than 30 minutes. Extemporaneous speaking is typical during speaking competitions or public events. The speakers have to organize their thoughts quickly and present them coherently. They then choose their words while talking.

Other experts refer to extemporaneous speech under its shortened name, extemp speech. Others refer to it as impromptu speeches due to the limited preparation time. This speech can serve several purposes: persuade, inspire, inform, etc.

 If you want a list of topics to learn different speech ideas, go through our special occasion speech topics article. You will familiarize yourself with public event topics.

Steps on How to Write an Extemporaneous Speech

  1. Choose a subject that you have knowledge about
  2. Craft an Extemporaneous Speech Outline
  3. Support your ideas/points.
  4. Create a concise, firm conclusion.

1. Choose a subject that you have knowledge about

The first step you should take after receiving the instructions to present an extemporaneous speech is to develop a topic. Because of limited time, choose a topic you are conversant with and try to think of several points you will discuss in detail. Using a familiar topic will make the entire process easy as you will quickly brainstorm the points to support the topic.

2. Craft an Extemporaneous Speech Outline

Having a short extemporaneous speech outline assists you considerably when delivering the speech. So, create one quickly.

The two common ways of creating an outline are alphanumeric and decimal. You use alphabets and numbers to highlight your sections and points in an alphanumeric outline. On the other hand, for a decimal outline, you use decimals, such as 1.0, 1.2, 1.2.1, etc. Below are examples of these two outlines.

Alphanumeric Outline

  1. Hook
  2. Background information
  3. Thesis
  4. Body paragraph claim
  5. Evidence 1
  6. Evidence 2

Decimal Outline

  • Hook
    • Background information
    • Thesis
  • Body paragraph claim
    • Evidence 1
    • Evidence 2

Keep in mind that we offer speech writing help. So, seek our services if you need someone to write a speech outline or the entire speech quickly.

3. Support Your Ideas/Points

Once you know which outline to use, which should take a couple of minutes, start scribbling the main ideas to discuss. Write the points you can within the shortest time. Ensure the ideas connect to the topic.

Afterward, choose a handful of the points you informed about. Search for evidence that you will use to support each point; around 2 - 3 pieces of proof that are good for each point. The evidence can be in the form of examples, statistics, or quotes.

Five minutes are enough for you to write many points, choose the ones you can support with many pieces of evidence, and then jot down the points and their supporting evidence. Remember to be quick, as time is not on your side, and you'll pick the words when presenting.

If you're looking for inspiration, explore our comprehensive guide on demonstration speech ideas for college students. These insights will spark creativity and refine your topic for the extemporaneous speech.

4. Create a Concise, Strong Conclusion

For the next 2 – 3 minutes, draft a firm conclusion. The conclusion should be short. Just restate your main points/arguments. Then, insert an impressive closing remark, such as a quote, anecdote, or call to action.

What is Extemporaneous Speaking?

Extemporaneous speaking is a form of public speaking where a speaker delivers a talk with little preparation. The speaker also doesn't rely on a complete written script. This kind of speaking helps you apply your knowledge and expertise to address the audience in real-time.

What are the Features of Extemporaneous Speaking?

This presentation has the following traits:

  • Limited preparation – The speaker has little time to prepare their thoughts and deliver the speech.
  • Flexibility – You must adjust the content based on your audience, context, and unexpected developments.
  • Thinking on your feet – This talk requires you to think quickly and articulate your thoughts effectively.
  • Spontaneity – This talk doesn't rely on memorized script; ideas are expressed naturally.
  • Audience engagement – Extemporaneous talk will engage the audience and adjust to their reactions and feedback.

How Does an Extemporaneous Speech Structure Look Like?

This section will show you how to structure an extemporaneous speech. A key point to remember is that an extemporaneous speech has the same structure as an essay: introduction, body, and conclusion.

How Do You Structure an Extemporaneous Speech Introduction?

As always, you should start an introduction with an attention-grabber. This can be a famous quote, statistic, anecdote, or any other brilliant line that intrigues or surprises the audience. (An anecdote could be a personal experience or an incident involving someone you know.).

The introduction should:

  • Greet the audience to establish a connection.
  • Connect your audience to the topic. Let the listeners understand why you care about the topic or why the subject is the best.
  • Include background information about the subject and, where possible, define some terms.
  • State the topic word for word so that your listeners can follow
  • Answer the question being asked in the topic briefly
  • Orient the audience to the main points of the speech.
  • The introduction should take around 0.5 – 1.5 minutes in a speech.

How Do You Structure an Extemporaneous Speech Body Section?

Try to discuss a few critical points in the body of the speech. This will prevent your audience from being bored and overcrowded with information, making it easy for them to remember your speech. Each key point needs to be supported by around 2 – 3 pieces of evidence. Be specific and straightforward when talking about the supporting evidence. Being too general will make your listeners lose interest and feel bored.

You can also use anecdotes when discussing the topics. It will make your speech more engaging and relatable. Explain how you felt in that event if you want the listeners to relate better. The ideal number of the body concepts should be 3, depending on the topic you have. But remember, too much content will be boring for your audience and hard to remember.

So, how should you organize the body? The structural pattern of the body depends on the topic and can take the following formats:

  • Chronological – where you present your points depending on time, especially in informative content.
  • Topical –arranged according to the topic's significance from the most pertinent to the least relevant.
  • Cause and effect – points that discuss an issue and its effects
  • Pros and cons – a speech that presents the arguments for and against an issue
  • Spatial – points appear as per location

How Do You Structure an Extemporaneous Speech Conclusion?

You should restate the topic under discussion in the first sentences of the conclusion and then briefly touch on the critical points of the speech. The way you start the extemporaneous speech introduction with a bang, the conclusion should end with the same effect and have a strong closing remark.

10 Amazing Common Topics for Extemporaneous Speech

Are you searching for convincing and exciting topics for your extemporaneous speech? This section is for you.

  1. Why should parents not choose a career path for their children?
  2. Why do many communities still regard mental health as taboo?
  3. How are different ideologies affecting the relationship between nations?
  4. What are the dangers of capitalism?
  5. What global measures can be taken to combat pollution?
  6. Which are the most critical skills that employers look for?
  7. How do we deal with the high rates of school dropout?
  8. What motivates you to study harder?
  9. Which will take you far between education and skills?
  10. What technological advice can you give to entrepreneurs and employees?

Feel free to use any of these topics or mold them however you see fit. For more topic ideas, preview our article on impromptu speech topics.

How Do You Get Ready for an Extemporaneous Speech?

Below are strategies to prepare for an extemporaneous speech in advance:

Understand the Theme of the Event

Most of the extemporaneous speeches are presented in competitions and public events. So, ensure you understand the theme of a forthcoming event beforehand if you will be a speaker.

The theme may hint at the topics discussed in the extemporaneous speech. Google the event to see what has been done on previous occasions. You can also ask the event hosts about other ideas.

Understand the Time Allotted for Preparation

Be aware of how much time will be allocated to prepare for the speech. Ask the hosts or look at how it has been done in the past. The time limit will guide you on the length of the speech and the choice of the topic.

Practice

Once you know the topics you may discuss and the time you will have for preparing, all that is left is to practice heavily. So, how do you practice? Write down the topics that may be discussed. Pick one topic and write an outline for it. Try to mimic the timeframes of the actual speech preparation and presentation. If you will have 15 minutes to prepare and 5 minutes to present, ensure you use the same timeframes when practicing.

Remember that we offer extemporaneous speech writing and tutoring help. Don't struggle with your presentation when we have insights on how to write a commemorative speech. Our speech-writing services are also affordable.

Essential Elements You Should Be Mindful of During Extemporaneous Speaking

To an audience, spoken and written words differ significantly. For instance, one can re-read a specific section in a written piece but can't do the same in spoken words. Also, listeners can struggle to absorb long and dense statements, so it's best to talk to the audience better than script reading. 

Due to these differences and other factors, it is thus crucial for speakers to understand the critical elements of delivering an excellent extemporaneous speech. The elements are:

Body Language

Effective speaking is not just about what you say but your body language. Even if you are a fantastic narrator, you are doomed without good body language. One of the best ways to have fantastic body language is to establish a friendly image and eye contact. You can open this link to see other ways to improve body language.

Valuable Topic

Choose a topic that is significant to your audience. A good topic relates to the audience. Before settling on one, understand how it will affect the audience and what you want them to take away.

Authenticity

You need to be yourself when doing extemporaneous speaking. You will be much more at ease when you use your words, ideas, and expressions. So, don't copy the style of another speaker.

Clarity

Being transparent and direct is one of the essential elements when partaking in extemporaneous speaking. Clarity makes it easy for the listeners to comprehend what you are communicating.

Some tips to improve clarity include:

  1. Using simple sentences
  2. Making the point being delivered obvious
  3. Classifying the points logically
  4. Utilizing transitions when switching from one idea to another
  5. Utilizing expressions such as "this point is essential" before discussing an important point

Sincerity

Be genuine if you want the audience to believe in your content. The audience is more intelligent than you think and will quickly notice when you aren't insincere.

Repetition

A speech without repetition is as good as dead. After the end of your speech, your audience needs to know straightforwardly what your main points are. Thus, you need to repeat the points several times to achieve this. State them in the introduction and conclusion.

Best Tips That Will Help You Deliver an Extemporaneous Speech

Delivering an extemporaneous speech can be a rewarding experience if you prepare and use the best approach. Also, there are great tips that can help you excel when making your presentation:

  • Practice active listening – If your speech has a Q &A session, listen to the questions actively. You will be in a position to provide relevant and thoughtful responses.
  • Be calm and confident – Take deep breaths and maintain a calm demeanor.
  • Use gestures and body language – Apply natural and relevant gestures to enhance your message.
  • Use tone variations – Different tones and paces will keep your listeners engaged.
  • Record and review your speech – If you have more time to prepare, record yourself to build your confidence as you practice the speech.
  • Handle mistakes gracefully – If you make a mistake, it's best to stay composed. Acknowledge any errors and continue with confidence. Sometimes, these errors may be an opportunity for a joke to break the tension and continue with the speech.
  • Be open to feedback – When practicing your talk, be ready to accept feedback from peers, instructors, or event hosts.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Is the Purpose of an Extemporaneous Speech?

The purpose of this speech depends on the event. If it's a classroom event, the purpose might be to help students develop speaking skills. If it's a competition, the goal might be to choose the best speaker among the contenders.

2. Who Can Provide Me with Extemporaneous Speech Writing?

We can. We offer comprehensive speech writing help to all students. Contact us to get first-class extemporaneous speech writing help.

3. Is an Extemporaneous Speech Formal?

No! You can use informal language during extemporaneous speaking.

4. What Are the Features of Extemporaneous Speech?

The key features of this speech include the following:

  • The points need to be clear and flow well.
  • The speaker needs to be authentic.
  • The speaker's body language should be appropriate.
  • The topic must be essential and relatable to the audience.

5. Which Skills Do You Gain from Extemporaneous Speaking?

  • Enhanced communication skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Flexibility
  • Improved confidence
  • Authenticity

In a Nutshell

See? Writing and delivering an extemporaneous speech is simple. This article serves as your primary guide if you wish to know the secrets of delivering a fantastic extemporaneous speech. Here, you'll learn the steps for writing this speech type, how to quickly create an outline, and how to structure the speech. You will also be guided on preparing for an extemporaneous speech and its key elements.

Just take a breath, be yourself, and conversationally share your thoughts. If you require help composing the speech, know we are here for you. Just place an order with us to get extemporaneous speech writing help with the quickest turnaround and at the friendliest price in the market.

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