Extemporaneous Speaking

In-PersonIndividual

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The art of extemporaneous speaking is for those who can always make conversation. Delivering a coherent, engaging, and moving speech is easy enough, right? Now try doing that on the spot with only 30 minutes of preparation!

Format

In-Person

Registration Guidelines

1. A limit of two (2) students from each school may register for this competition.
2. Each student competes individually — collaboration is not permitted.

Procedure

1. All competitors report to the competition room at the same time (designated in competition schedule).

2. Paper and pen/pencil will be provided, but students may bring their own.

3. Students choose one topic from a selection of three at the start of their turn.

   • Topics will be relevant to the annual theme or current events.

4. Topics are phrased in the form of a question.

   • Topics require understanding of contemporary issues affecting Muslims domestically and internationally.
   • Example: “Does a significant rift exist between African-American Muslims and immigrant Muslim communities?”

5. Depending on the number of students, competition may be conducted in a series of rounds with only top competitors advancing.

6. Students may bring printed reference materials (newspapers, articles) or quotations relevant to the theme or current affairs.

   • Prepared notes or personal essays are NOT allowed.
   • Materials must be reviewed and approved by the Moderator before competition.
   • If any reference is used, the participant MUST cite it during their speech. Use of references is optional.
   • No annotations permitted (highlighting, underlining, post-its, margin notes).

7. Thirty (30) minutes before the contest begins, the first speaker draws three topics, chooses one, and returns the others. Other competitors draw in like manner at seven-minute intervals.

8. After choosing a topic, the competitor withdraws to the preparation area with 30 minutes to plan their speech without conferring with anyone.

   • No prepared notes or outlines allowed in preparation room.
   • Reference to books, magazines, and bibliographical files is permitted.

9. Once chosen, the topic may not be changed or altered.

   • No visual aids may be used in delivery.

10. A note card may be used in preliminary rounds of invitational qualifying tournaments but is not permitted in elimination rounds.

11. Time limit: 7 minutes maximum with 30-second grace period.

    • Violation results in being ranked last when visible time signals have been given.
    • Judges/moderators are required to give time signals per competitor’s request.

12. Electronic device usage is not permitted during the competition.

Interactive Scoring Ballot

Reference Materials

Students do NOT have to use references. If they do use references, they may be awarded +2 points. However, if a student uses references and does NOT cite the source in their speech, -3 points will be deducted.

Interactive Ballot

Enter scores to calculate the total automatically.

Criteria	Score
Section A: Technical (10 points)
Technical Participant is on time for the competition Speech finished within 7 minutes (or within 30-second grace period) No identifiers aside from MIST ID Participant looks credible and dressed for an interview
Section Subtotal	0 / 10
Section B: Content (35 points)
Introduction Did the speaker get the audience's attention? Was the topic clearly stated/addressed? Did the speaker preview and give focus to the key ideas?
Body Was adequate time devoted to each division within the 7-minute limit? Was there a logical progression of ideas?
Conclusion Did the speaker tie the speech together? Was the answer to the question clear? Was there a note of finality?
Section Subtotal	0 / 35
Section C: Presentation (45 points)
Analysis and Content Did the speaker answer the question? Was the content informative? Was there sufficient use of logic, facts, examples, and/or expert opinion? Was the information pertinent to the selected topic?
Delivery Was the delivery natural, lively, and spontaneous? Was enunciation clear? Was volume appropriate? Was there sufficient variety in rate, pause, and pitch? Did the speaker exhibit poise and confidence? Were gestures varied, movement motivated, and eye contact direct?
Language Did the speaker exhibit command of conversational style? Was the language precise, grammatically correct, and vivid?
Section Subtotal	0 / 45
Section D: Overall Experience (10 points)
Overall Experience Rate 1-10: 1 = Very poor, 4-6 = Average, 10 = Exceptional
Section Subtotal	0 / 10
Total Score	0 / 100