The first step toward becoming a good extemporaneous speaker is information gathering. The successful extemporaneous speaker needs to be more thoroughly prepared than just reading those periodicals that the WHSFA specifies. Extemporaneous speakers should read at least one good daily newspaper, watch newscasts regularly and discuss current events with friends and family. A speaker is better able to respond to complex questions if time and effort have been dedicated to the information gathering process.
When there is a good understanding of organization, the coach and student should take a topic and work together to organize a speech. In practice sessions the goal should be to expand the speeches and polish the performance.
General structure for the piece ( you do not have to use this):
I.
Introduction
A.
Attention Getter/General Background
B.
Statement of question
II.
Body
A.
Statement of 2-5 Main Ideas
B.
Use of Supportive Material
1. Statistics
2. Quotations
3. Examples
III.
Conclusion
A.
Brief Review/Restate Question
B.
Give Specific Answer to Question