Extemporaneous Speaking: How to Prep a Speech in 30 Minutes
Extemp gives you 30 minutes to research and deliver a 7-minute speech. Learn a repeatable prep system that works under pressure.
What is Extemp?
Extemporaneous Speaking is a limited-prep event. You draw a question about current events, get 30 minutes to prepare, then give a 7-minute speech with no script. You may use an evidence box or digital files you prepared before the tournament.
The 5-minute breakdown
Use the first 5 minutes to understand the question. Rewrite it in your own words. Decide your answer. Pick three main points. The rest of your prep is just finding evidence that supports those three points.
Find your evidence fast
Tag your files by topic and region. When you see the question, go straight to the folder that matches. Look for one strong statistic, one expert quote, and one recent example per point. Do not read entire articles.
Write the outline, not the speech
You do not have time to write a full speech. Write a one-page outline: intro, three points with evidence tags, conclusion. Practice speaking from outlines at home so you are comfortable improvising the transitions.
Delivery under pressure
Speak slowly at the start. Nerves make everyone rush. Use the first 30 seconds to ground yourself. Make eye contact with the judge. If you lose your place, pause, breathe, and pick up from your next point.
Key takeaway
Extemp rewards a system. Break the 30 minutes into clear phases, prep your files ahead of time, and practice speaking from outlines, not scripts.
Extemp 30-Minute Prep Clock
0-5 min: understand the question and pick your answer. 5-15 min: find evidence for 3 points. 15-25 min: build outline and practice intro. 25-30 min: final run-through and deep breath.