I previously wrote about public speaking and how it is regarded as an art form, at least in my opinion. There are a few kinds of public speaking, memorized and rehearsed, planned and written. These two kinds have countless classifications of public speaking styles. They are all proper and can be well presented to an audience, the difference is in the speaker’s style. Speaker’s distinct way of talking either makes the speech interesting and joyable to the audience, or it is despised and sounds like an MRI scanner, just loud and noisy.
Extemporaneous speech is a distinct mode of communication. The developing of it, is by outlining ideas rather than writing them down word for word. Could have notes but not possible to look at them while delivering the speech. Practicing and rehearsing can be done ahead of time.
It almost sounds like I’m defining impromptu speech, but the two are vastly different. An impromptu speech is when you speak about something on the spur of the moment. Completely unrehearsed. For instance, when someone asks you for your opinion on a particular matter among a group of friends.
Remember when you used to come home late and now you worry about what your parents will do to you? That’s an example of extemporaneous speech. So you make up a story about what kept you from getting home on time. Unwritten speech, but planned and practiced.
STRATEGIES OF EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEECH
Just like every other kind of speech, Extemporaneous speech has got a structure and a way how the delivery and performing should be.
Speakers may find it difficult to deliver a speech in an extemporaneous speaking style that is organized, conversational, and responsive to the audience and context. An extemporaneous presentation will necessarily involve the speaker using a limited number of notes and avoiding a read or memorized presentation. Instead, the speaker should practice and rehearse as many times as necessary. To become familiar with the subject and deliver the content using their own words and a conversational style.
The audience is more engaged with a conversational style, and the organization allows a better understanding of the topic. Speakers may stumble and forget words or the order to follow the first few times they practice the speech. Which is a disadvantage to the speaker.
Practice should be as realistic as possible, simulating the speaking event. As a result, speakers must practice with their speaker notes, allowing for familiarity and making adjustments so they are useful at a quick look. Learning the speech aloud is preferable to practicing silently because it will aid in mastering the content presented.
Knowing how to create an outline for an extemporaneous speech helps speakers remember the order that should follow, a difficult-to-pronounce word, or the main topics of the speech. An outline for an extemporaneous speech is normally a working outline. There are three sections in this type of spaking, introduction, body, and conclusion. Using transitions is a must. It’s a good way to move from the introduction to the body and from one main point to the next. They help the speaker stay on track and the listeners follow along.
STRUCTURE OF EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEECH
A successful Extemporaneous Speech begins with an attention-grabbing introduction. Then introduces the theme and answers the question through two to three areas of analysis. Following that is a conclusion that summarises the speech and may have an impact on the audience.
The structure of the introduction is always between 1 minute, 30-second, the section that grabs the audience’s attention. Uses background information to build credibility, and concludes with a statement of significance. Following that, speakers conclude their introduction with a basic overview of the structure of the speech. It includes the question, an umbrella answer ( an outline that concludes what you covered ), and a preview of the areas of analysis.
In Extemporaneous Speaking, a single point is typically structured like a basic paragraph, with a claim, justification, and impact. Each point typically includes two to three sources to establish credibility and provide data for analysis. As well as a mix of broad argumentation and specific examples. Finally, the conclusion of a point usually refers back to the speaker’s response to the question, which serves as an impact. Some argue that the impact of a point should link to a scene outside the scope of the question. But most competitive circuits in high school and university competition value a link back to the answer to the question instead.
DELIVERY STYLE
The Speaker’s Triangle, the way how an extemporaneous speaker move on stage, is fairly common during a speech. For instance, in a public speaking competition, a competitor stands in the center of the stage for the introduction. Walks to the left for their first point. Returns to the center for their second point, walks to the right for their third point. And walks back to the center and forward sometimes for their conclusion.
Furthermore, using body language such as posture and hand movements is an important part of the speech. Many judges consider nonverbal communication as well as the structure of the speech into account.
Usage of notes is sometimes fair in extemporaneous speaking. But many competitors avoid them because they jeopardize effective delivery. Most leagues may not prefer them outside of junior competitions.
To clarify, a speaker using this method will have note cards or prompts to guide him or her from point to point. But they will use their own words as they go. What distinguishes this from an impromptu speech? The speaker has a loose outline for his speech. They don’t memorize anything, they just follow cues to figure out where to go next.
FAMOUS EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEAKERS
- WINSTON CHURCHILL
During WWII, Winston Churchill was the British Prime Minister. He recognized his oratory talent and once wrote:
“Of all the talents bestowed on men, none is more precious than the gift of oratory.”
When World War II broke out and France was defeated, he delivered his most inspiring speech, “We Shall Fight on the Beaches.” And, during the Battle, when London was under the most intense bombardment, his speeches inspired the British to never surrender. Churchill received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1953, in part for his speeches.
- JFK
From 1961 to 1963, John F. Kennedy served as the thirty-fifth President of the United States. Kennedy’s speeches were extremely powerful and inspiring. His speech “We Choose to Go to the Moon” was one of the most influential in persuading Americans to embark on a space mission to the moon. His speech at the Berlin Wall in 1963 is also one of the finest pieces of oratory ever.
- MARTIN LUTHER KING
Martin Luther was an American civil rights activist who fought against racial discrimination. He was a firm believer in nonviolence and respect for all people, regardless of color, race, or religion. Millions of people have heard his most famous speech, “I Have a Dream,” since he delivered it. In 1997, he became the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his powerful message.
- MARGARET THATCHER
Margaret Thatcher was the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and she used her assertive and extemporaneous speaking skills to win several elections and remain in power.
Mrs. Thatcher was known for her forensic or argumentative communication style. One of her most famous quotes came during her party conference speech in Brighton in 1980 when she defied her critic by saying: “You can turn if you want to. The lady’s not for turning”.
TO SUMMERIZE
When you decide to use Extemporaneous speech, following every detail and rule that it comes with, will reveal its beauty and smoothness. Of course, this may sound strange to some, who may argue about its difficulty and complexity. Except for impromptu speeches. Preparing for it requires some research and developing a strategy for how the presentation will be. What examples I will use, and how I will begin the speech. I admit there is some complexity, but that is true of everything we do. Our love and admiration for this art is what makes the process enjoyable.
