During my senior year of high school, I made a fairly bold decision that was out of character for me. I decided to join my school’s speech team to participate specifically in extemporaneous speaking, also known as extemp. This is a popular competitive event in the United States where students must speak informatively or persuasively about current events or politics. In extemp competitions, participants are given three topics or questions and must choose one and prepare a seven minute speech on the selected topic. Participants are given 30 minutes to organize their thoughts and ideas and are allowed to use previously organized magazines, newspapers, journals and online articles.
I would like to share the many benefits I was able to reap by participating in extemp speaking. I enjoyed the experience so much that I continued participating in extemp competitions while in college. I encourage all students to consider taking part in extemp competitions.
Extemp Speaking Forces Flexibility
As opposed to delivering a memorized, rehearsed speech, an extemp speech is an entirely different animal. You will only receive 30 minutes of preparation time before having to deliver your speech in front of a panel of judges. It’s entirely possible that you accidentally skip an important part of your introduction and instead jump straight to your main points. You have to remain calm and flexible in this case. Extemp speaking really forces and teaches you the art of adjusting on the spot. This is such an important life skill. Life is busy, hectic and stressful. It is important to learn how to remain flexible in all situations.
Extemp Speaking Improves Your Mental Sharpness
Extemp speaking really forces you to be able to juggle multiple thoughts and ideas. There is a real pressure component involved when you are delivering your seven minute speech before a panel of judges. This only increases the challenge you face in terms of being able to convey your main points in a concise, coherent and efficient manner. If you stay committed to it, extemp speaking will improve your mental sharpness and enable you to effectively handle several, often complex, ideas simultaneously.
Extemp Speaking Can Significantly Boost Your Confidence
I started this entry by saying that it was out of character for me to join my high school’s speech team. I was actually very shy and reserved before I ever participated in extemp speaking. However, after participating in many extemp competitions over the course of several years, my confidence and public speaking abilities have improved tremendously. I have no trouble delivering speeches before small or large audiences. I actually look forward to giving speeches now.
The key to being successful at extemporaneous speaking, and at other things in life for that matter, is to really visualize success. Imagine yourself confidently delivering your speech in front of the judges before you actually do so. I encourage all students to participate in extemp competitions. The experience can be so rewarding.
Ruben Edwards is a public speaker, web content strategist BabyChangingStation.com. Ruben is very happy that he decided to participate in extemp speaking. Today, Ruben delivers speeches on such topics as social media and website creation.
