Whether or not your local tournaments require it, most major invitationals and national-level tournaments mandate on-paper extemp prep. That means your research tech stays on the table, and your prep comes with you only in the form of what you can write down. Paper prep refers to using a physical medium, be it a legal pad, steno notebook, binder paper, blank printer paper, or even index cards, to record the notes you’ll rely on as you pace and memorize. For novices or for veterans switching from digital prep, the shift can feel intimidating. Keep reading for some strategies to make paper prep faster, cleaner, and more reliable.
Parallel Prep
To make information easier to locate while pacing and easier to retrieve while speaking, use parallel structure every time you set up the page. The 2023 Extemper’s Bible Prep Survey shows some common formats, but the “right” layout is the one you can execute quickly and use consistently.
Most extempers divide the page into four sections: one for the introduction and three for the body points. Whether you place these boxes vertically or horizontally is entirely preference; what matters is repetition.
If you’re new to paper prep, experiment with page orientations and simple box layouts for Background/context, Point 1, Point 2, Point 3. Some students also prefer to add the speaking time or room number as a reminder.
When you flow rounds, give practice speeches, or prep online, mimic the same format to build muscle memory.
Prep, Not Perfect
Paper prep isn’t about writing a mini-speech. You can’t copy-paste content, so your notes must be brief, skimmable, and optimized for memorization. Given that, it’s wise to develop shorthand for recurring terms. Examples include:
United States of America → USA (same for any frequently referenced country!)
Foreign policy → FOPO
Development → Dev
Increase/decrease → ↑ / ↓ arrows (drawing is not off limits!)
New York Times → NYT (same method for any other commonly referenced news source)
It can also be helpful to shorten dates and spell names phonetically or without vowels to save time while still preserving pronunciation as you rehearse. For example:
Gustavo Petro → GSTV PTR
Prime Minister → PM
August 12, 2025 → Aug 12, 25
(Using the written month as opposed to 8.12.25 makes it easier to remember for speaking.)
We also recommend pushing yourself to abandon full sentences and limit each subpoint to roughly three words. Limiting how much you actually write on your flow forces active recall, which helps you memorize faster than you would from blocky typed prep.
In-Round Considerations
Ensure smooth prep by using a pen that doesn’t smudge. Pilot G2s and similar gel pens are reliable options, but be sure to test what works best for you. Always carry backups along with loose sheets of paper in case your notebook disappears.
Additionally, your prep pad may double as a place to jot down CX questions, but you cannot reference those notes in-round. Leave your full pad in the prep room (or outside the room, if your tournament permits). This appears professional, prevents accusations of cheating, and gives you a firm endpoint for prep.
You may tear out a sheet to pace, but don’t lose it. Consider photographing your prep after the speech or storing the page in a folder. Reviewing old prep is one of the fastest ways to identify habits, track time improvements, and streamline your system.
In Conclusion
Paper prep has long been a core part of extemp’s culture and competitive landscape. It sharpens memorization, boosts organization, and prepares you for large tournaments where paper prep is the norm. Whether you’re learning the method for the first time or refining your system, improvement comes from repetition and intentional practice.
Good luck and happy extemping!