Impromptu


 * ORAL COMMUNICATION**: Impromptu Speech
 * Purpose:** To practice delivering a coherent speech on a blind topic with very little preparation time (minutes).
 * Time:** 2-3 minutes
 * Points:** 24

According to Dictionary.com, impromptu means: “made or done without previous preparation”. For this speech you will be given three minutes and a blind topic about which you will prepare to speak. The topics should be about something you know or have some experience with, but if you aren’t sure…do your best to make it seem like you know what you are talking about. During the time you have before you speak, make a brief outline of what you want to talk about. Develop something to gain the attention of the audience, determine two or three main points that are supported by specific personal examples to illustrate your points, and finally offer a sound conclusion that recaps your point and leaves us with something to ponder. All students should be able to go on the same day.

//Here is a sample outline you might develop when preparing//: Intro: Hook, lead into thesis statement: We see them flying around every day, but perhaps we don’t realize that birds not only make the world a brighter place, but help our environment

Body Point 1 Birds make the world a brighter place (support) Body Point 2 Birds help the environment (support)

Conclusion: Recap points made. End with a thoughtful line: When you see birds flying around, enjoy their song and the wonder of flight, but also, give thanks for all that they contribute to our environment.

//How to Approach the Impromptu Topic:// • Brainstorm the topic • Draw on life’s experiences and your knowledge • Structure by numbering your points; have a reason for your order • Open with something catchy...bold statement, a quotation, an image. • Recap the main points • Close on a decisive note

//Some Sample Speech Topics:// What do you think is the most beautiful thing about people? What would you do if you had a free afternoon? Other than a relative, what one person has greatly affected your life? How? What is your greatest fear? Why? What is the best advise you have ever been given?

IMPROMPTU SPEECH EVALUATION Name:

__Arrangement & Invention (14 points)__ __The speaker clearly and effectively stated the thesis addressing the given topic in the introduction__ __The speaker clearly and effectively previewed the main points in the introduction__ __The speaker clearly and effectively transitioned between main points__ __The speaker clearly and effectively restated the thesis and reviewed the main points in the conclusion__ __The speaker concluded the speech clearly and effectively__ __The speaker explained clearly and effectively how the main points supported the thesis__ __The speaker explained clearly and effectively how the evidence supported the main points

Delivery (10 points)__ __The speaker engaged the audience__ __The speaker used excellent eye contact only using notes intermittently__ __The speaker spoke at a pace that contributed to the meaning and rhythm of the speech__ __The speaker moved and gestured in a natural way that contributed to speech__ __The speaker spoke confidently and with appropriate projection for the space

Comments: Time:__ Time Penalty (if any):  Grade for Speech: _