4-H Public Speaking Evaluation (Impromptu) printable pdf download

Presentation Format Description:

Impromptu Speech

Impromptu speaking involves speeches that the speaker has written him/herself at the competition. One at a

time, the speakers will randomly draw a piece of paper with a topic on it. The topics will be developed from the

pre-announced categories for the event. From the time that the speaker is given the topic, he/she will have

three minutes to prepare a speech.

The maximum speaking time is five minutes. Any time used in excess of the five minute time limit should be

considered a fault against the speaker’s performance, but is not grounds for disqualification.

Senior Impromptu Speaking is limited to participants in the 9

grade or above, but no less than 13 years of age

as of January 1 of the current program year. Senior speakers will select from questions related to issues in

modern society. Intermediate Impromptu Speaking is limited to participants in the 6th through 8

grades, but

not less than 10 years of age. Intermediate speakers will select from questions related to participation in the 4-

H Youth Development Program. There is no Junior category for Impromptu Public Speaking. This format is

limited to individual participants.

The speaker is expected to have completed basic research on the announced topics. The speaker is allowed

one 5" x 7" note card (single sided) to collect the results of the research on each topic. The speaker may use a

single research note card during the delivery of the impromptu speech.

The speaker may not use props or costumes in the delivery of the speech.

The speaker should incorporate an introduction, a body and a summation in the delivery of the speech. The

body of the speech should be used for the development of the thesis or topic of the speech.

There will be no questions during this category. The entire category involves the unrehearsed delivery of

information and ideas.

Guidelines for preparing an impromptu speech:

1. Clearly state the topic as it was given to the speaker.

2. Give a reasonable interpretation of the topic. Neither exaggerate by reading more into the issue than is

there, nor understate the issue.

3. Give the speech a clear central purpose.

4. What is the strategy? A speech can inform or persuade. Persuasion is suggested as it provides a direction

and purpose to the speech. The judges may not consider the position taken by the speaker, but will consider

how well the position is stated, developed, and supported.

4-H Public Speaking Evaluation (Impromptu)