Extemporaneous Speeches

Guilford County SciVisV201.02

Topic Selection Use an introduction to get the speech going. Humor may be used in the introduction. Reasons

for a good introduction are to: Get the audience’s attention; Introduce your topic; Show the importance of your topic; Present your facts; and Forecast your main ideas.

Giving the Presentation Do not try and memorize what you will say . Trying to memorize will only make you nervous,

and you will find yourself thinking about the words and not about the message.

Use non-verbal communication. Step forward after the introduction.  Take a few steps when you start a new point.

Remember to use hand gestures. Do not put your hands in your pockets.

Opening Statements Start off with a strong opening idea with

confidence. Then try and organize your ideas in your head. If

you know you have three points or ideas to say, just start off simple by saying, "I would just like to talk about 3 points."

The first point is... the second point is... and so on.

Transitions Decide on your transitions from one idea to

the next. If you have more than one point to make, you can use a natural transition such as, "My second point is... or my next point is..."

Maintain eye contact with the audience. Look down at your next idea or thought and then regain eye contact with your audience.

Speak clearly and with good volume.  Be articulate.

Remember the element of time is important in a speech.

Conclusion Inform the audience you are about to close; Summarize and recap your major ideas; and Leave your audience with specific ideas about

your topic.

Final Pointers Remember these points.

Do not chew gum. Stand up straight. Use visual aids and examples. Make sure the points support the goal and

purpose of the speech.

Organizational Forms Classification -- Puts items into categories in a

speech.  Problem/Solution -- Uses the first part of the

speech to present the problemand the second part to present the solution. Can also be used for persuasive speeches.

Cause/Effect -- Uses the first part of the speech to outline the cause and the second to describe the effect, and finally the last part to describe a possible solution.

Organizational Forms Topical -- Most common organizational pattern,

which can present more than one topic in an ordered fashion. Useful for informative and entertaining speeches.

Chronological -- Uses a time sequence for the framework of the speech. It can also be used for informative and persuasive speeches, both of which require background information

Spatial -- Organizes material according to physical space. It can be used for informative and entertaining physical space topics.

The End