This document provides guidance on preparing and delivering extemporaneous speeches. It recommends starting with an engaging introduction to grab the audience's attention and introduce the topic. When presenting, speakers should not memorize their speech but use natural transitions between main ideas and maintain eye contact. The conclusion should summarize key points and leave the audience with a clear takeaway. Effective speeches are well-organized and use forms like classification, problem-solution, or chronological structures.

1. Extemporaneous
Speeches
Guilford County SciVis
V201.02

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Organizational Forms
 Classification -- Puts items into categories in a
speech.
 Problem/Solution -- Uses the first part of the
speech to present the problem
and 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.

9. 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.

10. The End