Welcome to Impromptu!
In this event, students draw an unpredictable topic from abstract words, phrases, quotations, or table topics, and they have two minutes to plan a speech. This event really teaches them to think on their feet!
How This Event Works
At the appointed speaking time, competitors draw a choice of two topics which can come from one of four possible categories: abstract words, phrases, quotations, or table topics. They have two minutes to think about what they would like to say about that topic in a speech with a five-minute time limit. While it might seem like there’s no way to prepare, competitors who take the event seriously learn to think about the world around them, what they read, cultural events, and Scripture with an eye toward recognizing take-away points they might be able to relate to a broad range of topics that come up in the conversations of life—and of course Impromptu rounds.
Be Ready to Speak
Featured Resource
Learn how to tackle this rewarding event.
Intro to Impromptu Kit
With six hours of instruction and activities, an easy-to-follow facilitator guide and printable student activity packets, even a novice parent can successfully lead students through Intro to Impromptu. Recordings of the live event are also available for family or group use.
Impromptu FAQs
Why should I participate in Impromptu?
Here are a few of the benefits of participating in Impromptu. This event:
- Offers real-world application. Impromptu is notable for its range of potential topics and its short preparation time. In that way, it is very much like the “real world.”
- Heightens analytical skills. Impromptu trains speakers to think critically, organize and support ideas efficiently, and articulate ideas in a compelling way.
- Increases speaker adaptability. Impromptu speaking calls the speaker to adapt quickly to topics and time constraints outside of their comfort zone.
- Improves performance skill. Impromptu speaking requires students to connect with the audience on a variety of personal, emotional, and intellectual levels by responding to a variety of topics, providing clear analysis, sharing relatable stories and illustrations, and using a conversational tone.
What if my limited prep topic is not releasing in an online competition room?
- Verify that the draw time has arrived. (Competitors can draw any time after the assigned time but not before. Check the time-zone of your computer.)
- If the draw time has just arrived, wait at least 60 seconds and try again.
- Check that the clock on the device is set to the correct time and aligns with the times shown on postings. (Posting times are based on the time-zone setting of the device, but it is possible for the clock to be manually set to a different time.)
- If draw time is not the issue, the problem is generally with the competitor’s connection speed. Keep trying and take steps to improve the connection speed.
Do we still have a grace period for speeches exceeding the time limit?
The automatic 2-rank penalty will only be applied after 15 seconds of the speech time limit. Find clarification on overtime in the event guidelines under “Timekeeping Protocols” (see Apologetics as an example), in the Speech Head Judge Instructions, and as an example of a timekeeping rule penalty in the Compliance Penalty Addendum. Keep in mind that while the grace period allows for small mishaps and miscalculations, judges may still consider the time limit of the speech event as they rank. We advise competitors to prepare for these variables by continuing to practice a speech under the time limit.
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