Extemp Prep (Part 2)

Up until this year, my approach to Extemp was relatively standard. I would draw my topic, research and take notes for the full 20 minutes, and then go speak.

         This year I decided to refine my prep plans and implemented the advice discussed here. None of this is original—Extemper’s have been doing this for a long time. However, many of these tips are rarely applied in homeschool Extemp circles, and this advice can go a long way in improving your speeches.

Fold your notecard

         The first step in Extemp prep is simple, but powerful: fold your notecard. Folding your notecard creates four relatively small squares that will be very helpful as you organize your speech and research. Rather than spacing out notes over an entire 3x5 note cards, you now have four smaller spaces, making it easier to keep (relatively) neat notes.

         Folding your notecard now gives you an easy way to organize your notes. On section one, leave one line blank for a brief note reminding you what your opener is and a summary of your answer to the question or thesis. Then on the next line start your notes for your first point. Each of the sections can be used for a new point (although I have occasionally used two sections for a single point).

Pick your topic quickly

         Do not spend more than a minute picking your topic. I can often choose in 15-30 seconds. Pick the one that you know more about, find more interesting, would make for a better speech, or that Extemp Genie actually has articles on.

         It is important, however, that you ensure that you understand what the topic is asking before proceeding to answering it. Be sure to adhere to the topic.

Organization

         Hopefully you will have some general background knowledge about the topic area even if you are unfamiliar with the specific topic (see part 1). Even if you are unfamiliar with the topic area, the topic question should hint towards your outline even before you begin research. Even if you don’t have an answer to the question yet, most of the time you can tell what your three points will be. For instance, if you are asked “who will win the DeSantis-Disney war,” as I was asked at Regionals, you can almost immediately write down 1. Disney 2. DeSantis 3. The Answer. Since you have four sections, you know exactly where to place these three points on your notecard. If you have three points, you will have an extra space. You can use that extra space for spillover from another point or leave it blank.

         Other topics call for different outlines. Many speeches can follow some iteration of 1. Background 2. Reasons we shouldn’t (or this won’t happen) and 3. Why we should (or why this will happen). Others may call for a more complicated outline, and having background knowledge in those areas will help. For instance, I gave a speech about whether any Fed action can soothe voters this year. My outline was 1. Politics (addressing how the Fed is not elected but how the Fed’s actions impact elections) 2. The Fed (addressing the Fed’s recent and planned actions) 3. Economics (explaining the economic situation and the economic implications of the Fed’s actions) and 4. The answer (explaining how the Fed’s actions may soothe voters, but won’t work in the long run because of the economic reasons mentioned in point 3).

Our series will continue next week as we turn from organization to other aspects of Extemp Prep! Subscribe to receive the next post in your inbox.

This article just scratched the surface of Extemp Prep. Are you looking for Extemp coaching? Book a session with Coach Josiah or Coach Sarah.

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