What Is an Extempore Speech?

Extempore:
One can define extempore speech as an impromptu amalgamation of thoughts culminating into a self-composed speech, the topic for which one receives then and there. Extempore speech is typically used to gain a deeper knowledge of a participant’s many points but it also comes with a lot of problems.

No prior preparation for which is permissible. It won’t be wrong to say that catching hold over the art of delivering extempore speeches becomes the primary characteristic of a public speaker. Furthermore, being able to present the extempore topic to the audience without any proper preparation is a genuinely exceptional achievement.

( Extempore speaking is the term used for a non-formally prepared speech. When you watch a beauty pageant on television and the contestants have to draw a question and answer it for the judges, they are extempore speaking.)

 

Below are some checkpoints on giving a good extempore speech.

1. Know Your Direction

You’ve got to know how you want to deliver your speech before you start it. Whether you wish to begin on a lighter note by giving your opening a pinch of humour or with an awe-inspiring serious remark. The easiest approach to decide is to acquire a rapid sense of your target audience. What type of people are they? What direction would they accept? Your speech will be appreciated significantly more if you speak in a language that works with those listening to it.

2. Watch Your Words

You’ve got to listen to yourself. Do not say something that makes you regret it later. As a few matters could be personal to your audience while certain words can be offensive to others. Mind your tone as well, as it may simply affect the reception of your speech. Listen to the words coming out of you to make sure you’re saying what you want your audience to hear.

3. Plot A Course

Before you speak, try making a quick mental outline of what you want to say. Some of the worst speeches came when people didn’t take a moment to organize their thoughts before opening with their speeches. Your outline doesn’t even have to be a detailed one; all you require is a guide to help you keep track of your thoughts.

4. Prepare Some Back-up

Have some backup in mind. Forgetting your next statement which you wished to propose, isn’t unnatural. What separates a good speech from a disaster is how well you catch yourself before making a blunder. It’s good to have a backup plan for the times when your mind suddenly goes blank. That way, if you find yourself in a circumstance where you don’t have anything to say, you’ll be able to gracefully exit the situation. You can also bail yourself out with a polite way of excusing yourself. If you wish to attract a few laughs, it’s okay to explicitly talk about your mental block.

5. Keep It Short

Last but not least keep your speech short. Your extempore speeches are not supposed to be epic narratives. The crisper and to the point you get the better. Use of certain words results in reflecting it to your audience that you lack in prior preparation. By doing so, you simply miss the point here. Speaking clearly and with as few words as possible you reflect confidence in your own opinions and that makes you a much refined public speaker than those who just seem to rely on their wide vocabularies.

Key Components of Extempore Speech

To be able to give a good extempore speech, one must practice a lot of extempore topics but more importantly, understand the structure of a good extempore speech and presentation. The three most important aspects of a good extempore speech are-

1.  Fluency
2. Content
3. Structure

1. Fluency

Fluency is of the utmost importance when it comes to giving an extempore speech. Understanding the relationship between the various parts of speech and keeping track of the new words learnt is a way of developing grammar and vocabulary. Good grammar isn’t the only thing that gives you fluency. Practising speaking in the language is as important as grammar.

When a person is fluent in a particular language it becomes easier for them to recover from a grammatical error or any such error made while making a speech. Recovering from an error is not difficult at all, simply repeat the sentence correctly, excuse yourself and Move on. Being afraid is normal, but never let fear overtake you.

2. Fluency

Never try to talk about something you do not have any idea about, rather limit your extempore to the fact you possess and go on. When you are unfamiliar with the theme in the level of detail for just about any reason, talk about what you know about it. Additionally, too much content is never a good sign, limited but meaningful content is what we should aim for.

Listen! It is an important lesson which people forget to revise. Preparation for any topic can only happen when you have sufficient knowledge of the topic, and that is only possible when you listen to the topic given and the instructions provided.

3. Structure of Extempore Speech

The last wheel on this three-wheeler is Structure. One can build an extempore on varied topics and for multiple time spans. The structure of any such speech acts as a framework, the content acts as the functional unit, and fluency acts like its muscular power.

An extempore speech should be structured in a way to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.