Extemp is a category where your success depends entirely on the judgement of a single decision-maker: the judge in the back of the room. The introduction of your speech is where that decision starts getting made. An elite introduction is an opportunity to build connection, credibility, and momentum that carries your entire round. What your […]
Rayyan Alam
One of the most common anxieties extempers face isn’t finding sources or analyzing the question–it’s simply remembering what they want to say. When the round starts, adrenaline spikes, and your flow evaporates from your memory. But here’s the truth: Memory in extemp is not about memorization. It’s about how you structure your thinking, your writing, […]
In Extemp, it is easy to get caught up in the stress of only 30 minutes of preparation and forget about arguably the most important thing in determining your success: the judge. Judges aren’t robots that score you off of a rubric. Although they may look for certain things in both your content and presentation, […]
When most extempers think about prep, they tend to focus on evidence, structure, and delivery. And, rightfully so. As a result, though, transitions often get neglected. And while it’s certainly important to ensure the body of your speech is fleshed out before shifting your focus to transitions, doing so can be incredibly valuable. Transitions are […]