Ahh-- First timer!

[tenniskid511]

So I'm doing Impromptu for my first time EVER tomorrow, and needless to say, I am a little bit worried! I haven't had time to practice because it was a last-minute decision.

Can anyone give me some tips? Some people say to use quotes . . does that mean I need to memorize lists of quotes?

Also, how much time do I get to prepare, and how much time do I have to talk for? Can I sway "away" from the topic, as long as I connect it?

Do I have to prepare standing in front of everyone, or can I be sitting down, and am I allowed to write stuff down during that time, or do I have to come up with it on the top of my head?

Please give me any tips you have ^_^

[IainGabriel]

Impromptu is, in my view, a combination of 1) Charisma, 2) Clarity (often through organization) and 3) Analysis. CCA. Be charming, conversational and confident; you want to win over the judge(s). You don't need to memorize ANYTHING! You shouldn't, really; it's Impromptu. It's spontaneous. The judge will GIVE you any prompt (a noun, a quote, a question, etc.) and you'll have a certain amount of time to think up and structure a speech and then more time to present it. In CA, we have two minutes to think and five to speech. You can prepare in any position (doing the can-can, for what it's worth). You can write down notes (though you can't bring them up with you), but you can't use older notes to help you during prep time.

It's bad to sway "away". Make sure that the topic at least metaphorically connects to your thesis, and keep it consistent. It could seem like you're just giving a prepared speech and didn't adapt it at all to the prompt, which is obviously not what Impromptu judges want to see.

Simmer down, enjoy yourself, and deliver an intellectually stimulating (or, at the very least, mildly amusing) diatribe.

Generally, speeches are structured as follows..

Opening
Thesis/Definition of prompt (if necessary)
Road map (brief outline of points)
2/3 points
Conclusion

Simple? I hope so.

An alternate structure-

Opening
Thesis/Definition
State the problem the prompt brings to light
The cause
Your solution to the problem
Conclusion

Capisch? Best of luck!