Extempore Speech

EXTEMPORE
The word "Extempore" has actual meaning lying in
the context of stage or theatre performances that
are carried out without preparation or impromptu
performances.
An extempore speech is an impromptu speech
which the candidate is required to make on a topic
given there and then. In some instances, the panel
provides the candidate with about a minute or so
to organize his/her thoughts before speaking. In
other cases, you will be expected to start speaking
about the topic as soon the topic is announced.

Things To Remember:
Quick mental thought process
The key point in extempore
speech is speed. You need to be
fast in forming words around the
topic or situation presented
before you. Keep the audience in
perspective while formulating a
speech fast. The best way to go
about this is to keep the main
delivery points in mind and form
a logical structure. The structure
will help you to keep your word
flow in order.

Keep the pace equal

Your aim should be to deliver a short but
an impactful speech. If you start out
eagerly and say too many words in the
first few minutes, it will cut short your
extempore speech. Hence, it is very
important to keep the delivery of words
constant. Having a paced short speech
will also help you to form and process
words without stress.

Practice for a minute

Whenever you get a topic
and you have gathered
your thoughts, it is a
good habit to practice for
at least a minute. This
will allow you to get a
hang of the subject
matter and increase your
confidence. Practicing
even for a short time
allows you to iron out the
rough edges quickly.

Keep it very short

It is preferable to keep
your extempore
speech very short and
concise. This is to
avoid risk of running
out of words
prematurely. A short
and sweet speech will
captivate the audience
reflecting on your oral
ability.

Confidence:
Confidence
along
with
Knowledge
always
helps,
even in abstract
topics where the
candidate
is
tested
on
presence
of

Presenting both sides

Incase of controversial topics (e.g; Should
republic day celebrations be redefined?), the
candidate may choose to explore both sides, a
stand which becomes difficult to take in case
of GDs due to challenges of group dynamics. In
an extempore, since the candidate is the only
person speaking, it becomes possible for a
smart, strategic speaker to discuss both
aspects of the controversial topic. However,
one has to be careful about the time
constraints while taking this stand.

Competence, Enthusiasm &

Adaptability is the key
Work on your competence and
competitive advantage which may be
either excellent vocabulary, good general
knowledge, etc. How well and quickly a
candidate adapts to the situation he/she
is put in and with what enthusiasm and
energy level does he/she deliver the
speech are some of the other desirable
evaluation parameters.

More often than not, you can use the following

guideline to talk on an extempore topic :-\
If possible define the topic or specific terms of a topic.
If any widely known classifications exist about the
subject of the topic, talk about the classifications.
Provide supporting evidence in the form of data (if
you know) or examples.
If the topic provides scope for narrating personal
experiences, use the opportunity to do so.
Most importantly, time yourself well. If the panel has
given you one minute, try and do one or more of what
has been mentioned in points a to d and complete
the extempore logically. It may not be a good idea to
be stopped in the middle of one your sentences.