Speaking Truth Through Extemp

Think fast. Speak smart. Lead the room.

Extemp isn’t about memorization...it’s about mastery. In just 30 minutes, you’ll be handed a current events question, craft a 7-minute speech, and deliver it with clarity, logic, and confidence. You’ll learn to think on your feet, speak with power, and understand the world on a deeper level.

Whether your question is about U.S. policy, international conflict, economics, or elections, your job is simple: answer the question and prove your answer with evidence and insight.

If you're intellectually curious, love a challenge, and want to walk into a room and hold it with your voice, then Extemp is for you.

A Guide to Extemp

Step #1: Understand the Question

Before you write anything, you have to fully understand what the question is asking.

Every extemp question is made up of two key parts:

The topic (what it’s about)
The verb (what you’re supposed to evaluate)

Examples:

Should the U.S. forgive student loan debt? → You’re evaluating a policy.
Will China invade Taiwan? → You’re making a prediction.
How can Europe reduce energy dependence? → You’re solving a problem.

Break the question into your own words:
“This is really asking me if student debt forgiveness is good for the country.”

Key Tip: If you misread the question, the rest of your speech won’t matter, so slow down and analyze it correctly.

Step #2: Craft Your Thesis (Answer the Question)

This is your claim, or your direct answer to the question, that will drive your whole speech.

Your thesis should:

Be clear and direct
Take a definitive stance
Set up 3 specific reasons you'll prove in the body

Example:
Question: Will AI help or hurt job creation?
Thesis: “AI will help job creation by increasing productivity, creating new industries, and supporting small business scalability.”

Avoid vague or generic theses like “AI has both pros and cons.” You need to pick a side and defend it.

Step #3: Create a Clear Structure

Each point should be a distinct reason that proves your thesis.

Every point must have:

A clear tag line (your subclaim)
Background or explanation
2–3 pieces of evidence (quotes, studies, stats, headlines)
A link back to the thesis (why it matters)

Example Structure:
Thesis: The U.S. should increase funding for space exploration.

Point 1: Increasing funding will spur scientific innovation.
Point 2: Increasing funding will boost economic revenue.
Point 3: Increasing funding will increase our global influence and diplomacy.

Tip: Structure is king. Judges can’t flow you if your points blur together. Make each one punchy, focused, and distinct.

Extemp Speech Outline (Fillable).pdf

Step #4: Write a Killer Introduction

Your intro sets the tone — and makes the judge want to listen.

Use this formula:

AGD: Start with a compelling story, quote, metaphor, or recent headline
Bridge: Connect the attention-getter to the topic at hand
Background: Give quick, essential context
Significance: Show why the question matters now
Question: State the question word-for-word
Answer: Deliver your thesis
Preview: Briefly state your three main points

Step #5: Use Transitions that Flow

Transitions are your glue — they help the judge follow your logic.

Use phrases like:

“Now that we’ve examined the first cause, let’s move to the second consequence…”
“Even if this argument seems compelling, there’s an even more pressing concern…”
“This issue not only impacts policy but also affects how people live day to day…”

Smooth transitions prevent your speech from sounding like three mini-essays. They show confidence and organization.

Step #6: Deliver a Memorable Conclusion

A great conclusion reminds the audience what they learned and leaves them thinking.

Structure:

Restate the question
Restate your thesis
Briefly recap your three points
Tie back to your AGD (if you opened with a metaphor or quote)
End with a clincher — a powerful sentence or insight that gives closure

Example:
“So when we ask whether the world is ready for AI, the truth is — it already has arrived. The only question now is whether we’ll lead its future… or be led by it.”

Step #7: Practice Like You Compete

The best extempers don't just practice speaking — they practice thinking under pressure.

Here’s how to simulate a real round:

Draw 3 questions → choose one
Set a 30-minute timer
Prep using your template
Deliver your speech (no script!)
Record and review: Were your points clear? Did your sources land? Did you sound persuasive?