Impromptu Speech printable pdf download

Impromptu Speech

Assignment Description

Objectives

After completing both impromptu speeches, students should be able to:

• Quickly develop and advance clear and well-reasoned arguments by:

o supporting a thesis with solid and succinct supporting main points and then

explaining this connection to an audience clearly

o supporting each main point with solid and succinct supporting evidence and then

explain this connection to an audience clearly

• Deliver introductions, transitions, and conclusions in a manner that clarifies the speech’s

arrangement

• Use natural movement, gestures, and pace in a manner that engages the audience

Speech Description

In business, in school, and in public life, you are often called upon to “make a few comments.”

Though these are not as formal as some of your other speeches, they are speeches none the less. Often,

people so tasked with a short speech become flummoxed. The impromptu speech assignment is

designed to help you develop resources so you can shine where others falter. Impromptu speaking

reinforces all aspects of good public speaking: quick thinking, sound argumentation, strategic word

choice, and engaged delivery.

It is important for you to understand the key distinction between a good, well-supported impromptu

speech and b.s. This speech does not reward those who simply fill air with words for three to four

minutes. My main goal for this speech is that you are able to quickly arrange and deliver a clear and

well-supported argument. Each one of these words is important to this assignment. You must act

quickly, which requires a sense of speech arrangement. Your speech must be clear, which requires you

to include previews, reviews, and transitions. Your speech needs to have, at its heart, a well-organized

and well-supported argument. This means that you must practice impromptu speeches many times

before you deliver your speech in-class.

For the impromptu, you will have 6 minutes of prep time and be expected to deliver a 3-4 minute

speech. The impromptu speech is worth 60 points.

Procedure

Each student will receive a thesis statement on a slip of paper. Each student will then have time to

prepare a short speech and then deliver the speech. You should use your time judiciously. You will

select a strip of paper that lists two thesis statements; you can speak on either one of the thesis

statements. You do not have to agree with the thesis statement; you can argue against it. Next you

should support the thesis statement with 2-3 main points. For each main point, you need at least one

piece of evidence that illustrates your main point.

Impromptu Speech