Impromptu+Speaking

Previous Impromptu Speaking Themes
Things Your Parents May Have Said to You Once Upon A Time... True Colors Character Traits
 * The PHSSL By-Laws describe the topics as including, but not limited to "quotations, famous people, virtues and vices, opinions, school days, and abstract words"

[|Storytelling From A Master]

=Pennsylvania High School Speech League=

Master Ballot: Impromptu Speaking

 * The speech shall not exceed five minutes in length. NO MINIMUM TIME REQUIREMENT.
 * The speech must be delivered without the use of any notes. The student must bring the topic slip to the judge, or a copy of the topic written by the prep room judge. A student who does not speak on the topic drawn will be disqualified from the tournament.
 * In all individual events, a grace period of thirty (30) seconds over the event is permitted without penalty. If a student is more than thirty (30) seconds over, that student may not be ranked first. Excessive overtime violations should be penalized more harshly.
 * Any questions regarding rules infringements should be brought to the attention of the Tabulation Room staff and not the student.

Critique Sheet: Impromptu Speaking
Everyone is expected to be a respectful audience member. A judge’s rank may reflect a contestant’s disrespect to other competitors during the round.
 * **Organization:** Is there a clear and central idea supported well by the main points? Is there a clear structure utilizing effective transitions? Are the introduction and conclusion effective?
 * **Content:** Is the speech a creative and effective development of the topic selected? Is there a creative and effective use of appropriate examples for the topic? Was the content significant, sufficient and interesting in light of the topic?
 * **Language:** Is the language accurate and clear? Is the language well suited to the topic and speaker?
 * **Communication:** Is the speaker audible, articulate and direct with the audience? Does the speaker seem interested and sincere? Does the speaker use humor as appropriate to the topic?
 * **Overall Effect:** Did the speaker effectively develop his or her topic? Did the speaker adequately accomplish the goal of the speech? This goal could include informing, persuading or entertaining.

By-Laws: Article B14 - Impromptu Speaking
__Section B14.1__ Each school is permitted to enter one student in the state tournament in impromptu speaking. No charge for name changes in Impromptu. A $50.00 nuisance fee will be assessed for drops. __Section B14.2__ Topics for impromptu speaking, which will be kept secret until the actual contest, will be selected from, but not limited to, quotations, famous people, virtues and vices, opinions, school days, and abstract words. __Section B14.3__ The speech may not exceed five minutes. __Section B14.4__ The order of speaking and drawing topics shall be determined by lot immediately prior to the time for drawing topics. The speaker will draw three topics five minutes prior to speaking time. From these topics, the speaker will choose one and return the other two. __Section B14.5__ Once the topic has been chosen, the speaker will have five minutes to prepare. During this preparation period, the speaker may not consult with anyone or make use of any previously prepared notes. If the speaker consults with anyone or uses previously prepared materials, the speaker will be disqualified from the tournament. Students may consult published books, magazines, newspapers and journals or articles therefrom, provided: __Section B14.6__ The speaker will deliver the speech without the use of any notes. __Section B14.7__ The student must bring the topic slip to the judge, or a copy of the topic written by the prep room judge. A student who does not speak on the topic drawn will be disqualified from the tournament.
 * a. They are originals or photocopied originals.
 * b. That original article or copy is intact and uncut.
 * c. There is no written material on that original or copy.
 * d. Topical index without annotation may be present.