Coaching Extemp

Coaching Extemp

Tim Cook, Salado HS

Extemp Topic Analysis

Texas Speech & Debate Camp

This handout can be found at http://www.extemptopicanalysis.com/instruction.asp

Disclaimer

Not all the answers.

I want you contribute ideas!

Not a sales presentation.

This project is still under construction.

Objectives

Basic requirements you need to cover with students.

Provide 25 Helpful Hints.

Direct you to some excellent resources / materials.

Topics of discussion

Part One: Speech

Format
Introductions / Conclusions
Weaving
Transition and Internal Summaries
Source Cites
Mandates
Analysis

Part Two: Delivery

Dress
Vocal Style
Fluency
Gestures
The Walk
Cards

Part Three: Files

Division
Index
Hard Copies
Sources and Sites

Part Four: Teaching

Materials
Before the tournament
During the tournament
After the tournament
Lesson Plans
Practice Strategies
Grades
Rubrics (Speeches/Files)
Test

Addendum: Sample speech

Part One: Speech

What should I do in the extemp speech?

Simple, the speech must answer the question. The speaker must have a clearly articulated reply to the question. Many speakers will have a beautifully delivered 6 ½ minute speech, but never answer the question. These are the students you see in the cafeteria during finals.

A. Format

All speeches must have an introduction, body and conclusion. In competitive extemp, a rather rigorous standard has developed. Mastering the format is the first step in the extemp process.

Introduction

Attention Getter – also called a hook; it captures the audience interest

Connection – relate attention getter to the question

Question – state question word for word

Answer – briefly answer the question, answer should be clear and direct

Foreshadow – state your main points

Background – limited information to form a backdrop to speech or

Justification – tell the judge the importance of the topic.

Body

I. Main point

II. Main point

III. Main point

Conclusion

Repeat Main Points

Restate the Question

Reiterate your Answer

Link back to the Attention Getter and bring closure

Student worksheet to write an extemp speech

Introduction

Attention Getter

captures the audience interest (quote, joke, anecdote, startling fact, poem, etc.)

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Connection

relate attention getter to question

Question – state question word for word

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Answer – briefly answer the question, answer should be clear and direct

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Foreshadow – state your main points

Background – limited information to form a backdrop to speech or

Justification – tell the judge the importance of the topic. Use evidence.

Body

I. Main point

Analysis

Source

Importance

Analysis

Source

Importance

Internal Summary

Link to question

II. Main point

Analysis

Source

Importance

Analysis

Source

Importance

Internal Summary

Link to question

III. Main point

Analysis

Source

Importance

Analysis

Source

Importance

Internal Summary

Link to question

Conclusion

Repeat Main Points

Restate the Question

Reiterate your Answer

Link back to the Attention Getter and bring closure

Introductions / Conclusions

The introduction is the most important part of the speech. You must “hook” the audience.

A good introduction will:

1. Hook the audience

2. Set a framework or theme for the speech

3. Set the mood for the speech

4. Make the speaker “likeable”

Common techniques include:

1. Jokes

2. Rhetorical questions

3. Anecdotes

4. Fables

5. Startling statistics

6. Quotes

7. Political cartoons

8. Movie

A good conclusion will:

1. Review

2. Dispel any remaining doubts that the question was answered.

3. Restate the thesis.

4. Motivate the audience to think or do something. An emotional response (topic’s importance, desire to resolve the problem, etc.)

5. Provide a definite ending for the speech. Tie a bow

1 Helpful Hint

Students should manuscript only the introduction to a speech. They should write at least two drafts before reaching the final product.

This teaches them choosing the “perfect word” and format are important to a successful introduction.

Samples

Woodrow Wilson in 1914 said, “The truth is our economic system is heartless.” Now this may have been true in 1914, but is our economic system heartless today. The 9 million unemployed Americans today would argue the system is heartless, merciless, cruel, and even ruthless. President Bush could be the first president since Herbert Hoover to witness the total number of jobs fall during his term. 3.2 million private sector jobs have vanished during the Bush term. Hence, many people today are asking: Is Bush responsible for the record number of jobs that have been lost during his term? The answer is no. Bush may have been at the helm, but the ship was built before he was elected. To fully understand my position I will develop two points: First, American manufacturing is in long-term decline and Bush does not have the power to reverse the trend; Second, the administrations has enacted economic recovery programs, but time is needed for job growth. With the current presidential election rhetoric, a proper understanding of this issue is imperative. Bush is responsive to unemployment concerns and is acting. President Bush said while speaking to the International Union of Operating Engineers in Richfield, Ohio on Labor Day, “We’re committed to helping those who’ve got a job to keep a job and for those who are looking, to find a job. We want people to be able to realize their personal dreams by working.”

First, American manufacturing is in long-term decline and Bush does not have the power to reverse the trend…...

Two young engineers applied for a single position at a company. They both had the same qualifications. In order to determine which individual to hire, the applicants were asked to take a test. Upon completion of the test, both men had each missed only one of the questions. The manager went to the first applicant and said, ‘’Thank you for your interest, but we’ve decided to give the job to the other applicant.’’ “And why would you be doing that? We both got nine questions correct,” asked the rejected applicant. “We have based our decision not on the correct answers, but on the question you missed,” said the department manager. “And just how would one incorrect answer be better than the other?” the rejected applicant inquired. ‘’Simple,’’ said the department manager, ‘’Your fellow applicant put down on question #5, ‘I don’t know.’ You put down, ‘neither do I.’’’ Searching for a job is not amusing; it can be stressful and even painful. Currently 9 million people are unemployed in the United States. President Bush could be the first president since Herbert Hoover to witness the total number of jobs fall during his term. 3.2 million private sector jobs have vanished during the Bush term. Hence, many people today are asking: Is Bush responsible for the record number of jobs that have been lost during his term? The answer is no. Bush may have been at the helm, but the ship was built before he was elected. To fully understand my position I will develop two points: First, American manufacturing is in long-term decline and Bush does not have the power to reverse the trend; second, the administrations has enacted economic recovery programs, but time is needed for job growth. With the current presidential election rhetoric, a proper understanding of this issue is imperative. Bush is responsive to unemployment concerns and is acting. President Bush said while speaking to the International Union of Operating Engineers in Richfield, Ohio on Labor Day, “We’re committed to helping those who’ve got a job to keep a job and for those who are looking, to find a job. We want people to be able to realize their personal dreams by working.”

First, American manufacturing is in long-term decline and Bush does not have the power to reverse the trend…...

2 Helpful Hints

Xerox this page and have students label the parts of the introduction.

Next, copy the final drafts of the introductions the students wrote. Have students label the parts of those introduction. They are identifying the parts, but also reading some “good” introductions they might use at the next tournament.

Rushin, Prearranged introductions

During my senior year, I became known on the extemp circuit as the “Joe Millionaire Guy” because in my two biggest rounds at TFA state, I chose to use what I felt was the most applicable and strongest introduction available to me. So, in TFA state semifinals and finals, I chose to use the same introduction each time. The tactic got to me finals and helped me succeed. Nevertheless, many would see this as cheap; I completely disagree. The bottom line is that almost every extemper in state finals and national finals has an array of pre-arranged introductions that they can use at different times. It is never good to rely on only one introduction, but having a set of 5-6 introductions that you use at different times is a very efficient way to not be too contrived and greatly enhance fluency at the beginning of your speech.

It is a good idea to use humor and make the introduction something in popular culture, a joke, and generally not a personal story. Here is my example:

TOPIC: How has the war in Iraq affected the Labour Party in the UK?

(AGD) FOX has always been the champion of quality television, whether it be a show in which supermodels are forced to work in foreign farm labor jobs, or whether it be a show in which average Americans compete for the opportunity to be publicly embarrassed by Simon Cowell. But perhaps FOX’s classiest show came in the fall of 2003 when a handful of women fought for the heart of one supposed millionaire. After weeks of fighting for his heart, one woman was crowned the winner and was allowed to marry the man, only to be told one small detail: The man whose heart she had won was in fact not a millionaire, but a construction worker who made 17,000 dollars a year.

(LINK) Now in the example of Joe Millionaire, the women involved in the show felt as if they were deceived by the FOX corporation, led to believe one thing only to find out that what they believed was in fact false. While the marriage between Joe Millionaire and his spouse might have been unsuccessful, a similar marriage of sorts, the marriage between the British Labour Party and populous of the UK will likely have a similar outcome. While it might be true that, according to the Economist of January 23rd 2005, Tony Blair’s Labour party was successful in the parliamentary elections even after the war in Iraq, nevertheless, as we analyze this area in greater detail and ask ourselves, “How has the war in Iraq affected the Labour Party in the UK?”, we discover that Joe Millionaire serves as a clear example. Just as the women on the television show felt deceived and lost trust in the FOX company, so have the British people lost trust in the Labour Party as a whole. To understand why, we can look back at the example of Joe Millionaire and thus the acronym JOE.

J- Justification for Iraq left British voters unsatisfied

O- Opposition parties have gained support

E- Economic impact of the war has exacerbated financial crisis

Weaving

Use the introductory technique throughout the speech, use it as a transition. Don’t just have it on the top and bottom of the speech. However, it should not become a filler or a replacement for content.

One of my favorite Aseop’s fables is the The Crow and the Pitcher:

A crow, half-dead with thirst, came upon a Pitcher which had once been full of water; but when the Crow put its beak into the mouth of the pitcher he found that only very little water was left in it, and that he could not reach far enough down to get at it. He tried, and he tried, but at last had to give up in despair. Then a thought came to him, and he took a pebble and he dropped it into the Pitcher. Then he took another pebble and dropped it into the pitcher. Then he took another pebble and dropped that into the Pitcher. Then he took another pebble and dropped that into the Pitcher. Then he took another pebble and dropped that into the Pitcher. Then he took another pebble and dropped that into the Pitcher. Then he took another pebble and dropped that into the Pitcher. Then he took another pebble and dropped that into the Pitcher. At last, he saw the water mount up near him, and after casting in a few more pebbles he was able to quench his thirst and save his life.

The moral of the story:

Little by little does the trick.

In other words, the answers to our troubles may not always come immediately, or instantaneously. We may have to take many steps before we finally reach the resolution. A culture based on fast-food restaurants, cell phones and 24 hour photo processing, will find it difficult to accept this “incrementalism” or “gradualism.” Just ask FEMA. Nevertheless for many of our problems, the solution will only come “little by little.” Such is the case in Iraq – “little by little” we are making progress in Iraq and eventually we will be able to say we won the war in Iraq.

This is a significant war, a war we must win. Air Force General Richard Myers said, “Winning the war in Iraq is as important to the United States as winning World War II was 60 years ago. The outcome and consequences of defeat are greater than World War II. If terrorism wins in Iraq, the next 9/11 is right around the corner."

Therefore it is imperative to ask the question: Is the US winning the War in Iraq? Unconditionally, I must say yes. Step by step, the United States is winning the war in Iraq. The key to winning the war in Iraq is achieving stability and establishing democracy in Iraq.

First, little by little stability is being achieved in Iraq. To achieve stability in Iraq, the insurgency must be minimized and Iraq has to establish an effective Iraqi army.

On September 29, The Washington Post reported, “President Bush warned yesterday that the bloodshed and violence by Iraqi extremists will escalate as the country moves into the last phase of its transition over the next three months…”

The surge in insurgency activity is not an indication that we are losing the war, but rather is a last ditch effort by the terrorists to cause civil unrest in the final stages of transition in Iraq.

According to Times Online, September 13, “we know…Abu Musab al-Zarqawi remains a very potent force. He has many volunteers for suicide missions. He is being supplied with men and probably money via Syria. (and) He is also the main insurgent force in western Baghdad. Aside from his group there are three or four other main insurgent organizations, including former members of the Baathist regime and other Islamic militants.”

However, Air Force Captain Patrick Horn argued, “The insurgency is waning. This movement was never well organized and the ones who remain at odds with each other are losing the critical support of the populace.”

For example, the killing of al Qaeda's second-in-command in Iraq, Abdullah Abu Azzam, was as another little step in the Iraqi war. President George W. Bush maintains the killing of Abu Azzam is a sign that the U.S. strategy in Iraq is defeating the insurgency.

The Christian Science Monitor quantified efforts to minimize the Iraqi insurgency on September 28, “According to American military officials, the US has either made key arrests or developed informants who have led to a cascade of actionable intelligence over the past month. Since the middle of August, the US has reported killing or capturing at least 16 members of Al Qaeda in Iraq, led by the Jordanian militant Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.”

Colonel Stephen Davis contended little by little the insurgency is being minimized, "We are dismantling the network. We are taking out the leaders, the facilitators, the financiers, the operational guys, and the foot solders."

If expediency is the goal we should remember George Orwell's wise words, “The quickest way of ending a war is to lose it.”

Therefore, Iraq is on the right path to stability because the insurgency is little by little being minimized. The next crucial step will be to establish an effective Iraq army.

Reuters reported on September 28, “Iraqi forces are taking an increasing role in security operations and holding control of cities where military operations have flushed out insurgents.”

To date, Iraq has a standing army over 190,000. Seventy-five percent of Iraqi’s army is capable of engaging in combat, with U.S. troops providing support. More than 30 battalions are capable of taking the lead in an offensive. One battalion can operate entirely on its own.

On September 19, Guardian Unlimited confirmed this, “The Bush administration and the Iraqi government claim to be making major strides in fielding a capable Iraqi army, a force said to be nearing 200,000 strong. The plan calls for the Iraqi force to increasingly take over control of the country from the 140,000 U.S. forces now leading the fight against a Sunni-dominated insurgency.”

General George Casey, the senior U.S. commander in Iraq, argued little by little will do the trick. General Casey said, “We say we make progress relentlessly in little steps a day at a time. And we just keep taking little steps. And every once in a while, you get to see what happens when all those little steps yield something.''

Given the minimization of the insurgency and establishment of an effective Iraqi army, stability is being achieved in Iraq and a pebble has therefore been placed in the pitcher.

Transition and Internal Summaries

The speech must have transitions. Transitions establish the connection between the main point just completed and next part of the speech. Transitions allow the speaker to move from one place to another place in the speech. They make the speech fit together. Without transitions the speech will be choppy and hard to follow. Practice transitions so they become routine.

Internal summaries and previews should also be included in the speech. Think of each point as a speech within a speech. After you present the transition and argumentative point, the speaker should preview the sub points. When the speaker has developed the sub analysis, a brief summary of the point should be given. Internal summaries should link back to the question and reinforce your answer to the question.

Major transitions, moving to a new point, should also be highlighted nonverbally by taking three steps. As a general rule when you move your feet, you should be saying a number.

3 Helpful Hints

Tag team impromptu speeches

Divide class into groups of 5. Each student will deliver a portion of the speech.

Speaker #1 Intro

Speaker #2 Point 1

Speaker #3 Point 2

Speaker #4 Point 3

Speaker #5 Conclusion

While doing this activity, emphasize transitions.

Source Cites

Sources increase a speaker's credibility. Many people are from the school of thought "the more sources the better the speech." I disagree. A good speaker will emphasize quality over quantity. I literally have seen speakers dump so many sources that it left very little time for analysis. Make sure you give the date and have a variety of sources. I would also like to see more information about the source, what makes it a credible citation (authors credentials, based on a valid study).

How to introduce sources

Trade deficits are normal during times of industrial growth. Therefore, we should not be troubled about the current trends. The National Review, which conducted an in-depth study of trade deficits, reported on February 24, 2003, “... recent data indicate that the trade balance tends to move in the opposite direction of growth in GDP. In other words, when the trade balance goes down (deeper deficits) the growth in GDP goes up. .... From 1997 until December of 2002, the trade balance and the U.S. economy have moved in almost exact opposite directions. This suggests that deficits tend to correlate with economic growth.” National Review established the consequence of trade deficits for us; the end result will eventually be positive economic growth for the U.S. economy.

How not to introduce sources

Newsweek reported, "The global trading system is in trouble—mainly because it became over dependent on big U.S. trade deficits." [This method offers no analysis, date, source legitimacy or impact for the evidence.]

Mandates

I do this for the squad. Where should we be as a team, every student may not be at that stage of development.

For example:

1. Find the file after you draw

2. Give the speech

3. No cards

4. 5-6 minutes

5. 6 sources

Build on these throughout the year.

Analysis

How you analyze the question will have a major effect on the outcome of the speech. Poor analysis will only result in an ineffective answer to the question.

Determine the “Heart” of the question:

1. Identify the question’s thesis.

2. Determine relevant factors.

When determining the appropriate organizational pattern, there should really be only one factor: the answer to the question should determine the body of the speech. Irrelevant material should not be included in the speech. If the information does not answer the question, then it does not belong in the speech.

Take for example these traditional patterns:

Past/Present/Future

Example: Is Social Security doomed?

I. Past

II. Present

III. Future

Problem/Solution

Example: What should the government do to prevent terrorism?

I. Problem

II. Solution

Cause/Effect/Solution

Example: School Finance: How should we reform it?

I. Cause

II. Effect

III. Solution

In the first example, the only part of the speech that is germane to the question is the third point. The second example does not need a discussion of the problem. And the third example, definitely does not need the effect, maybe you could convince me the cause is relevant.

To avoid these errors, use a pattern called unified analysis. With this organizational pattern, the body of the speech serves as a justification for the answer, the organizational pattern unifies all the analysis. Typically, requires organizing the speech with two main points and two sub points for each main point. Unified analysis has been called the "one best organizational pattern."

Examples

Closed Questions: ask for a yes or no answer

Example: Is North Korea a threat? Yes

I. North Korea's political leadership is fanatical and extreme.

II. Possession of nuclear weapons presents unique risks.

Open Questions: ask for sequential steps in proposing the answer

Example: How can the federal government best protect the public from terrorism?

Provide state and local government with funds and increase intelligence.

I. State and local government are on the front line and need funding.

II. Intelligence is key to prevention.

4 Helpful Hints

Have students write several questions on a given topic.

They will see different questions require different speeches.

For example:

Iran

Does the US have the “will” to stand up to Iran?

Is Iran a strategic threat to the United States?

Is Iran ready for 'serious negotiations'?

Is Mahmoud Ahmadinejad trying to start a war with the West?

Iranian nuclear program: Can the West and Iran find a diplomatic solution?

Has Western pressure on Iran over its nuclear program helped or hindered human-rights efforts in Iran?

Can the US persuade all members of the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on Iran?

Is Iran entitled to a nuclear power program as a signatory to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty?

What does U.N. Resolution 1696 mandate?

Choosing a topic:

1. You must understand terms of the topic.

2. Can you identify the intent of the topic?

2. Discard topics you cannot answer.

3. Use the following criteria with the remaining topics:

Can you develop a position?
Which will be appealing to the audience?
How much and how diverse is the information you have?

Part Two: Delivery

How should the extemp speech be delivered?

The short version, it should be professional and polished. Your delivery should be "lively," not boring.

Some Extemp Lessons...

Stephen Rushin

Lesson 1: Extemp is an act

So often people perceive extemp as an event where the most intelligent and the best read students win. While there is no doubting that being well read and intelligent helps your chances, it is rarely the smartest person who wins the tournament. Rather, the more a student does extemp the more she/he realizes that extemp is nothing more than an act, a performance like any interpretation event. In Prose the objective is to offer the most satisfying performance of the literature you are presenting. Extemp is no different.

The objective of extemp is to offer the most believable, fluent, and intelligent sounding speech possible. Now this isn’t to say that one should sacrifice quality for clarity completely, but an extemporaneous speaker must find the moderate balance between fluency and intelligent analysis.

Must read

Ten Commandments

For Effective Extemporaneous Speaking

By Martha Ebeling

http://debate.uvm.edu/NFL/rostrumlib/EbelingMar99.pdf#search=%22Ten%20Commandments%20For%20Effective%20Extemporaneous%20Speaking%20%22

Dress

First appearances make the difference. Dressing down shows a lack of appreciation for the event. You should look professional.

Boys should wear a suit and tie.

Girls wear either a nice suit or skirt and blouse. Girls you should dress conservatively - you are trying to impress a judge, not find a date.

Vocal Style

The tone, volume, and variety should be used to increase interest in the topic.

By using vocal variety of pitches, rates, and volumes, as one does in conversation, the speaker can highlight important points and help the audience with organization.

Speakers should use conversational communication, not declamatory style.

Watch the speed. The most common error I witness with delivery is speaking to fast. Utilize voice inflections, pauses, and clear pronunciation. Voice inflections will signal to the audience the significance and importance of your message. Pauses add climax to your speech and force you to slow down. Mispronouncing words affects your credibility. Eliminate "vocalized pauses" (ahm, ah, ok, and, etc.).

Vocal Cues to highlight:
Rate
Pitch

Loudness

Quality
Pronunciation
Fluency

5 Helpful Hints

Tape record student speeches and have them listen to them for vocal variety.

Fluency

Vocalized pauses should be eliminated (ums, uhs, and ahs)

Fluency gives the impression of poise.

Fluency demonstrates the speaker has mastered the materials

6 Helpful Hints

To rid students of vocalized pauses they must become aware them. Listen to their speeches for vocalized pauses. Note the habit in your notebook (This speaker does X.) The next time the student speaks, have an audience member clap every time the student uses the filler. I have even had students wad up 5 pieces of paper and throw it at the speaker. Be careful with is technique. Don’t do it during your evaluation. J Once they become aware of your use of vocalized pauses they will be able to eliminate them quickly.

7 Helpful Hints

Sandra Greene, Pflugerville HS

Students are to choose current news articles that the teacher has pre-selected and printed.

Students are given time to read their articles (15 minutes or so).

After students have read their articles, they are to stand in front of the class and delivery a summary of what they read without having more than ONE fluency break. A fluency break (sometimes known as a filler) is considered to be any one of the following: “uh,” “um,” “like,” (if it’s not used as a preposition or a verb), “you know,” “stuff,” and making a smacking sound with their tongue or lips.

If the student has more than one fluency break, the student has to stop wherever he/she is in the summary, sit down, choose another article, and begin again.

Grading normally starts at a 95 and then 10 points are deducted for every time the student has to start over.

Before long, students are speaking without using fluency breaks or fillers.

Gestures

Gestures should have meaning. They should not be a nervous release. Do not over-gesture. Gestures should be above the waist. Natural gestures are more effective than "staged" gestures. When not gesturing, let your arms rest at your side.

You are not conducting an orchestra!

8 Helpful Hints

Brainstorm the various gestures. Have students make a visual display of them.

“The Walk”

Do not walk too much! I have judged contestants that continuously walk during the speech, the so called "ping pong" effect. Do not turn your back to the audience or turn completely sidewise to the audience. Movement must have meaning and add something to the speech. Most successful contestants take steps between main points. This is commonly called the "extemp dance."

You can take additional steps to highlight arguments or points within the speech.

Cards

“I would rather here a 3 minute speech without a card, then a 6 minute speech with a card.” I disagree.

Although you are allowed to use cards at some meets, most successful speakers will not use them.

It really is not that difficult to speak without a card.

9 Helpful Hints

How to use a note card

Front: Intro and conclusion

Back: Visual outline

10 Helpful Hints

Plan ahead so you have enough time for the speaker to give the speech 3 times.

1 with the card

2 on the desk in front of them

3 no card

Point out to the student if they would practice the speech three times in the draw room they could give the speech without the card.

Part Three: Files

Pet peeves:

1. Student can not say “Our files suck!”

They can say “Can I work on the files Monday?”

2. Remember this isn’t an art contest! You don’t win in extemp by having the prettiest files. Try reading them!!!!

What are extemp files?

Extemp files are large tubs used to organize the countless articles researched. Buy rubber, not plastic tubs!!!!!!!!!! Remember, files must be portable. You have to take them to tournaments or they are useless. You may even want a tub for supplies and reference materials (almanacs, quote books, dictionaries). Eventually, you will need a dolly or freshman to carry your tubs.

The internet is a wonderful tool to find articles and information. You will want to subscribe to several publications so you get a wide-ranging analysis of current events. You don’t want to miss an issue because eventually you will draw that topic.

Start with the “the Big Three” (Newsweek, Time and U.S. News & World Report). These are easy to obtain, usually you can get somebody to donate these to your squad. However, research shows that students who quote more obscure sources tend to do better in competition.

Some excellent newspapers to use are The New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times and USA Today. You may need to read and file some regional newspapers (Boston Globe, Dallas Morning News, etc.) for specific topics.

Extempers tend to use some periodicals more than others. The Economist has been called “The God of Extemp Sources.” For foreign topics, many extempers use World Press Review and Foreign Affairs. Last but not least, the Christian Science Monitor is a preferred source for many speakers.

Characteristics of a “good” file:

1. Be Organized. Left [Background & Intro] and Right [Current Articles]

2. Have no more than 15 articles. (Once a file has reached this point, it should be subdivided. For example, economy could be subdivided into general, unemployment, stocks, deficits, interest rates and other related topics. The more you divide the more efficient your files will be.)

3. Contain background information. (Profile, biography, background notes, brief history, etc.)

4. Include introduction suggestions. (Quotes, jokes, etc. - make sure the material follows the rules)

5. Be purged. (Get rid of articles that are outdated and/or are no longer useful.)

6. Each article will be highlighted in one color.

7. Contain no outlines and/or handwritten materials.

Divisions

People

DX – Domestic

FX – Foreign

We file by topic/issue alphabetically.

FX – Foreign

Countries or Areas

Issues

Organizations

11 Helpful Hints

Concentrate on areas.

Become an expert on a subject.

Economy – Taxes, Budget, Unemployment

Foreign Policy - Middle East, Europe

12 Helpful Hints

Assign an area to students.

East Asia / Pacific

Africa

Europe

13 Helpful Hints

For each country

Society

Education

Religious

Culture

Teenagers

Political

Leaders

Government

Election

Economic

Type

Trade

Employment

Foreign Relations

With the USA

Alliances

Military

Index

Pflugerville

http://www.extemptopicanalysis.com/extemp_file_index_PHS.htm

Team captain update it…

Hard Copies

Newspapers (Helps identify possible areas you may miss if just using internet)

Big Three (USNWR, Time, Newsweek)

Economist (get the electronic version also)

Reference materials /books (Facts on File, Year in Review, etc)

Quote Books

Sources and Sites

“BIG Three”

Newsweek

Time

U.S. News and World Report

Others

Economist

Foreign Affairs

Christian Science Monitor

UIL

New York Times

Dallas Morning News

USA Today

Final thought…..World Press Review

Some Extemp Lessons...

Stephen Rushin

Lesson 2: Good prep starts with the right props

If there was one thing I learned from theatre, it was that the right props and set can make or break a good play. Even if the acting is outstanding, if the set and the props are faulty, the entire mood can be ruined. In extemp, you have to work with similar props, those being the sources you choose to use. These are the “props” which can make or break a good speech.

But some of the best sources for extemp information go untapped by most students. The goal of extemp generally isn’t just to recall facts (unless you are doing Informative Extemp) but rather is to offer commentary and conclusions based upon the news. Because of this, you don’t just want to spout off simple statistics and numbers, but also analyze why these numbers and statistics are important. You rarely can find this sort of analysis in basic newspapers and thus have to look for other, less popular sources.

Southern Center for International Studies

http://www.southerncenter.org/educational_materials.html

Updates to the World in Transition Series
In order to stay current, updates to the educational materials are made available through this Web site.

East Asia in Transition
Info:	East Asia Correlation Chart East Asia in Transition Index East Asia Statistical Information Updated Activity Resources [link opens new window with list of PDF-format files]
Lesson 2:	Politics in East Asia Political Freedom in East Asia (chart) Definitions of "Free," "Partly Free," and "Not Free" (supplement)
Lesson 3:	The East Asian Economic Miracle GDP Growth in the Hard-hit Countries (chart) Declining Growth in China (chart)
Lesson 4:	Social Issues, Human Rights, and the Environment
Lesson 5:	U.S. Interests in East Asia U.S. Total Trade with East Asia (chart) US Trade Deficit as % of GDP by Region (chart)

Favorite sites

1. Google News - http://news.google.com/news

2. AP - http://www.newsday.com/news/politics/wire/

3. Reuters - http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=index&cid=578&/%3fu

4. Cable Network News (CNN) - http://www.cnn.com/

5. CBS - http://www.cbsnews.com/

6. Christian Science Monitor - http://www.csmonitor.com/

7. FOX - http://www.foxnews.com/

8. MSNBC - http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032553/

9. Newsweek - http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032542/site/newsweek/

10. News Hour with Jim Lehrer - http://www.pbs.org/newshour/

11. Time - http://www.time.com/time/

12. U.S. News and World Report - http://www.usnews.com/usnews/home.htm

13. The Los Angeles Times - http://www.latimes.com/

14. New York Times - http://www.times.com/pages/todayspaper/index.html

15. USA Today - http://www.stltoday.com/

16. Washington Post - http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/front.htm

17. Business Report - http://www.busrep.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=552&fSetId=260

18. Business Week - http://www.businessweek.com/

19. Economist - http://www.economist.com/

20. Fortune - http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/

21. Financial Times - http://www.ft.com/home/us

22. Country Profiles CIA - https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/docs/profileguide.html

23. Country Briefings (The Economist) - http://www.economist.com/countries/

24. Country Profiles In Depth (BBC) - http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/country_profiles/default.stm

25. Country Profiles (CACU) - http://www.essex.ac.uk/armedcon/world/atoz/default.htm

26. International Data Base (US Census Bureau) - http://www.census.gov/ipc/www/idbnew.html

27. Foreign Affairs - http://www.foreignaffairs.org/

28. Foreign Policy - http://www.foreignpolicy.com/

29. Voice of America - http://www.voanews.com/english/portal.cfm

30. World Press Review - http://www.worldpress.org/index.htm

31. BBC - http://news.bbc.co.uk/

32. CNN All Politics - http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2000/resources/polls.html

33. The Gallup Organization - http://www.gallup.com/

34. The Pew Research Center - http://people-press.org/

35. Zogby - http://zogby.com/

36. Democratic National Committee - http://www.democrats.org/

37. Republican National Committee - http://www.rnc.org/

38. Directory of US Political Parties - http://www.politics1.com/parties.htm

39. The Quotations Page - http://www.quotationspage.com/

40. Bartleby.com (Bartlett’s) - http://www.bartleby.com/100/

Part Four: Teaching

Materials

Extemp Topic Analysis

http://www.extemptopicanalysis.com/default.asp

Instruction materials are free!

Coaching Extemp A-Z (New)

· Introduction to Extemp

· Sample Speech

· Test over Introduction to Extemp

· Extemp: Secrets to Success

· Extemp Speech Format

· Organizational Patterns

· Grading the Extemp Speech

· Grading Extemp Files

· Extemp File Index Sample (Pflugerville HS)

· Lesson Plan

· Semester Test

· Extemp Draw Times

· Some Extemp Lessons, By Stephen Rushin

Finding Ways Around Your Limits, By Stephen Rushin

ETA

Border Control or Political Control

1. What is the Secure Fence Act?

2. Is sealing the border an impossible task?

3. Will attempts to seal the border do more harm than good?

4. Will President Bush get a broader immigration package?

5. How will immigration effect the November elections?

6. Will immigration reform emerge as a critical issue in the upcoming midterm elections?

7. Would putting 700 miles of fencing along a 2,000-mile border seal the border?

8. Will GOP legislative efforts on border security bolster the party's conservative political support before midterm elections?

9. Is illegal immigration in America a multifaceted problem that requires a multifaceted solution?

10. Is HR 6061 the best plan for dealing with immigration?

“We can build the tallest fence in the world and it won't fix our broken immigration system. To do that we need the kind of comprehensive reform that the Senate passed earlier this year.” Senator Harry Reid of Nevada.

USA Today reported:

The Senate will consider a bill calling for erecting 700 miles of fencing on the U.S-Mexican border, a proposal that has been approved twice by the House.

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., used a legislative maneuver to get the bill to the floor as early as Wednesday, when the Senate could decide whether to move forward on the legislation.

Democrats are likely to try to block the bill.

The Senate is debating a bill to build a 700-mile fence along almost a third of the U.S.-Mexican border. The Senate voted, 94 to 0, to debate the measure on fencing and other border barriers at the cost of billions of dollars. The fence bill to be considered in the Senate is HR 6061.

According to ABC News, “The Senate is poised to take up a border security bill that would create 700 miles of fencing along the southwest border and mandate that the Department of Homeland Security maintain "operational control" over the entire border. The House passed the same measure, which has been dubbed the Secure Fence Act, last week.”

The bill doesn’t provide any funding to cover costs. According to informal estimates, the fence and other security steps could cost several billion dollars. About $1 billion for the fencing is likely to be included in a bill funding the Department of Homeland Security before adjourning for the elections.

Maneuvering toward a pre-election showdown on immigration, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist said he would seek passage of the legislation this week and predicted Democrats would resist. Frist brought the border fence bill to the floor rather than adjourn for the year without Congress taking any steps on immigration.

“Right now I got a feeling the Democrats may obstruct it,” said Frist.

According to Washington Times, “Frist said a proposal calling for 700 miles of fence on the border has already been passed by the House, and comprised the best currently available plan for dealing with immigration issues ahead of the Nov. 7 midterm elections.”

UPI reported, “U.S. President George W. Bush said he would sign a bill to build 700 miles of fence along the U.S.-Mexico border if the Senate approves the bill.”

“Yes, I'll sign it into law,” Bush said in an interview on CNN. “I would view this as an interim step; I don't view this as a final product.”

The step-by-step approach by Congress is also at odds with the president's effort to get a broader immigration package that would include guest worker and citizenship provisions.

Boston Globe argued, “The House and the Senate moved yesterday toward a piecemeal crackdown on illegal immigration, pushing forward separate bills to require photo identification to vote, build vast fences on the US-Mexico border, and speed the deportation of undocumented workers. The measures would take the place of President Bush's far broader rewrite of the nation's immigration laws.”

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid said, “This smacks of desperation and a clear repudiation of President Bush's support for comprehensive immigration reform. It's obviously designed to play to the base. Sen. Frist was for comprehensive immigration reform before he was against it.”

Putting 700 miles of fencing along a 2,000-mile border is very controversial. Many argue the fence could do more harm when it comes to environmental, cultural and economic issues.

Some members of Congress argued building a border fence is a “piecemeal” approach that won't curb illegal immigration

“Sealing the border is completely unrealistic. Those who believe it can be done are living in a dream world,” said U.S. Rep. Jim Kolbe.

Arizona Daily Star presented the case against the fence:

Putting 700 miles of fencing along a 2,000-mile border and believing that that effort alone will halt illegal immigration is wishful and shortsighted thinking.

The new fencing might enhance security in certain areas, but foreigners who are ambitious enough, smart enough or desperate enough for work will continue to find their way into the United States….

Illegal immigration in America is a multifaceted problem that requires a multifaceted solution. Tackling one issue — border security — does no good if the United States doesn't enforce laws against hiring illegal workers or give U.S. industries a legal way to hire foreign labor…

People in other parts of the world have proved that even oceans won't keep the desperate and poor from seeking better lives. Cubans have regularly crossed the Straits of Florida in an attempt to escape poverty. Northern Africans routinely brave the Gibraltar Straits to reach Spain. The Associated Press reported last year that Turks cross the Aegean Sea to reach Greece and Albanians cross the Adriatic to reach Italy.

If seas cannot halt illegal immigration, it's unrealistic to think that fences or extreme political rhetoric can.

The House also passed legislation that would require voters to show proof of citizenship. Republican supporters said it would stop immigrants from voting illegally. Democrats said it would disenfranchise legal voters, particularly minorities, the poor and the elderly who would have difficulty coming up with documents to prove citizenship.

In May, the Senate passed a comprehensive bill to set up a guest worker program and outline a path by which the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants already in the country could work toward legal status and eventual citizenship.

Immigration, however, remains a hot topic for the November elections, which has prompted Congress to at least take up some pieces of it.

According to CNN International, “The fence measure was aimed at achieving at least some progress in addressing the politically potent issue of illegal immigration before Congress adjourns for the midterm elections just six weeks away.”

For Democrats, the legislation presents a political dilemma. They must either support legislation that many consider inadequate or cast a vote that could be portrayed during fall campaigns as anti-border security.

“Securing our borders is a major step forward in addressing comprehensive immigration reform.”

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist

1 Immigration – Border fence

Bush ready to get border fence bill United Press International

House, Senate back measures against illegal immigration Boston Globe

Fence-building along the border a futile gesture Arizona Daily Star

Fence proposal marks death of immigration reform CNN International

Frist wants immigration vote this week Houston Chronicle

Senate to consider border fence bill USA Today

Task force rejects push to fence border USA Today

Senate Republicans focus on border fence Washington Times

Border Fence Issue Heats Up in Senate ABC News

Congress prepares security, ID bills Palm Beach Post

Indian Tribe To Block Border Fence Judicial Watch

Border Fence Must Skirt Objections From Arizona Tribe New York Times

Border Fence Is Borderline Insanity Canton Repository

Plenty of Holes Seen In a 'Virtual Fence' Washington Post

Border fence proposal irks many in area Brownsville Herald

Range of critics doubt `virtual fence' will pan out KVOA.com
$67M 'virtual fence' will be virtually useless, critics say Tucson Citizen
Critics doubt 'virtual fence' Casa Grande Valley Newspapers

Border fence no solution to immigration woes Progressive.org

Archived News

September 25-27, 2006

Domestic

1. How long will the housing slump last? How long will the housing slump last? Christian Science Monitor

2. Will George Allen's Jewish moment help or hurt? Will George Allen's Jewish Moment Help or Hurt? Newsweek

3. The Democratic Wave: Will it be a washout? Will it be a Washout? TIME

4. Do newspapers have a future? Do Newspapers Have a Future? TIME

5. Is spinach safe to eat? 5 Things You Need to Know About Spinach TIME

Foreign

6. Is the war in Iraq breeding terrorists? US report: Iraq war breeding terrorists Christian Science Monitor

7. Afghanistan: Is the victory turning into a defeat? Afghanistan: Victory Turning to Defeat? Newsweek

8. Do we have enough troops in Iraq? Why We Don't Have Enough Troops in Iraq TIME

9. Is Chavez crazy like a fox? Is Chavez Crazy Like a Fox? TIME

10. Who is Shinzo Abe? Abe's multiple policy dilemmas Asia Times Online

1 Afghanistan

Afghanistan: Victory Turning to Defeat? Newsweek

1 Allen, George

Third person says Sen. Allen used racial slur Seattle Times
New Report That Senator Uttered Slurs New York Times
Allen urged to focus on successful record Washington Times

1 Bin Laden

Parties trading blame on bin Laden Boston Globe
Best to let bin Laden fade away Akron Beacon Journal
The big dog barks back Houston Chronicle

1 Bulgaria

EC warns Bulgaria to get tough on corruption Times Online
EU May Set Farm, Extradition Conditions on Bulgaria and Romania Bloomberg
EU to approve Balkan candidates BBC News

1 Clinton, Bill

Wallace, Caught Off Balance Washington Post
Bill Clinton: I got closer to killing bin Laden CNN
Clinton: "At least I tried" to kill bin Laden Xinhua

Introduction to Extemp

The 25 most common questions answered

There is a test to cover all the material in this section.

What is extemp?

Extemp is short for extemporaneous speaking. This activity asks the speaker to persuade or inform an audience “on short notice.” Participants choose from 3-5 topics, usually out of an envelope, and have 30 minutes to prepare a speech. Topics are in the form of questions about current events. For example, Should Social Security be replaced with private pension plans in the United States?

Why do extemp?

Extemp develops public speaking skills, raise knowledge of current events, improves analytical skills, enhances writing skills, and increases organizational skills. Attentiveness to political, economic and social issues produces a more informed citizen.

What types of extemp speeches are there?

The type of speech depends on the tournament. Some tournaments use a domestic/foreign format and others use a persuasive/informative format. Check the tournament entry to see which format will be used.

UIL

Extemporaneous Speaking
Extemp Topics for 2006:
        Invitational A     District 1
        Invitational B     District 2
        Regional            State
Extemp Web Resources
Prep Room Materials

INFORMATIVE
Informative Speaking Rules
Criteria for Evaluating Informative Speakers

PERSUASIVE
Persuasive Speaking Rules
Criteria for Evaluating Persuasive Speakers

National Federation of State High School Associations

http://www.nfhs.org/scriptcontent/Va_Custom/vimdisplays/contentpagedisplay.cfm?content_ID=324

The following extemporaneous speaking practice topics, supplied by NFHS staff, individuals or state organizations, are provided as a service of the NFHS. Please forward topics you would like to share, via e-mail, to: NFHS Speech, Debate and Theatre Association

May 2006

Champcraft
P.O. Box 1453
Ingram, Texas 78025-1453
(830) 367-4677 Phone/Fax
http://www.Champcraft.com

Other Extemp Sites

Extemp Topics.com

http://www.extemptopics.com/

Extempdex

http://www.extempdex.com/

Extemp Land

http://members.aol.com/DOWESNEY/extemp.html

Extemp Page

http://members.aol.com/Yoniyon/extemp.html

Extempprep.org

http://www.extempprep.org/

Extemp Online

http://www.angelfire.com/al/extemponline/

Victory Briefs

http://www.victorybriefs.net/webs/daily/archives/2005/06/29/victory_briefs_debuts_new_extemp_line

U.S. Extemp Brief Handbook
This one-of-a-kind book is designed to provide background and historical information that extempers can use to buttress their knowledge of current events. By teaching extempers about certain areas, the goal is to deepen the level of understanding to enable a more insightful analysis of current news. The book is not intended to be used in the prep room, but to be used in learning more about extemp and preparing to take it to the next level. This 245 page book covers: (1) US Government and Politics; (2) Education; (3) Social Security; (4) Health Care; (5) Environment; (6) Crime; (7) Military and Defense Policy; (8) Foreign Policy; (9) Trade and Labor; (10) Immigration; (11) Science Policy; and (12) Intelligence and Security. Contributors include Josh Bone, David Buckley, Robin Cook, Jay Cox, Brian Fletcher, Joe Gallagher, David Hardy, Liz Kraut, Amy Moffett, Peyman Momeni, Joseph Poore, Yoni Schneller, Andrew Swan, and Max Wolson. The revised edition was edited by Andrew Swan.

Foreign Extemp Briefs
This one-of-a-kind book is designed to provide background and historical information that extempers can use to buttress their knowledge of current events. By teaching extempers about certain areas, the goal is to deepen the level of understanding to enable a more insightful analysis of current news. The book is not intended to be used in the prep room, but to be used in learning more about extemp and preparing to take it to the next level. This 278 page book covers: (1) United Nations; (2) Africa; (3) Russia; (4) The European Union; (5) Israel/Palestine; (6) China; (7) India/Pakistan; (8) United States Foreign Policy; (9) Central Asia; (10) The Balkans; (11) Japan; (12) Eastern Europe; (13) Global Economics; and (14) Iran/Iraq. Contributors include Josh Bone, Michael Dorsi, Jimmy Ficaro, Derek Green, Amanda Knight, Jesse Nathan, Joseph Poore, Mark Royce, Andrew Swan, Lily Wang, Jay Ward, Jason Warren, Phong Wu, and Rana Yared. The revised edition was edited by Andrew Swan.

How To Extemp
This is the newly revised update by Jesse Nathan (National Champion) of the classic “How to Extemp” book (originally authored by National Champion Chad Ho). Designed as an introduction to the art of extemporaneous speaking, the chapters in this book cover: (1) What is Extemporaneous Speaking; (2) Creating a File; (3) Creating a Speech; (4) Presentation Skills; and (5) Additional Advice. It is 68 pages and is designed for beginners, intermediate extempers, and advanced extempers hoping for a refresher on the fundamentals.

Advanced Extemp
Advanced Extemp is written by Chris Kristofco, a two-teim College National Champion, and was recently revised by Andrew Swan. This 106 page book reveals the strategies and techniques necessary for any experienced extemper who wants to be a champion. A must-read for the serious extemper. The book covers: (1) The Advanced Fundamentals; (2) Introductions; (3) Conclusions; (4) Answering Questions; (5) Unified Analysis; (6) Speech Structure; (7) Filing and Cutting; (8) Examination of Sources; (9) Sourcing; (10) Delivery; (11) Cross Examination; and (12) Prepping Your Speech.

Economics for Extempers
Often one of the most intimidating topics for an extemper to truly master is the economy: from both a domestic and a foreign perspective. This handbook is designed to teach the extemper all of the basic economic principles they need to understand, and to explain to a more advanced extemper how to add depth to their economy/trade/etc. speeches. The 2005 revision was edited by Andrew Swan and Jesse Nathan, with contributions by Josh Bone, Michael Dorsi, Jimmy Ficaro, Derek Green, Amanda Knight, Jesse Nathan, Joseph Poore, Mark Royce, Andrew Swan, Lily Wang, Jay Ward, Jason Warren, Phong Wu, and Rana Yared. The 180-page book covers (1) Economic Systems; (2) The American Economy; (3) Supply and Demand; (4) Savings and Investment); (5) Employment and Inflation; (6) Competition and Economic Efficiency; (7) Growth and Recession; (8) Fiscal and Monetary Policy; (9) International Trade; (10) International Economic Organizations; and (11) Problems of Developing Nations.

Videos

Real to Reel Productions
UIL State Meet videos
P.O. Box 115
Buda, Texas 78610
(512) 295-8915 Phone/Fax
real2reelprod@peoplepc.com

NFL Resources

NFL (Instructional and final rounds)

http://www.nflonline.org/CoachingResources/VideoAudio

Coaching resources

http://www.nflonline.org/CoachingResources/CoachingResources

Educational handouts

http://www.nflonline.org/CoachingResources/Extemporaneous

Educational Handouts

Extemporaneous

This section is a file share of resources for coaches nationwide

The NFL asks that all teachers consider contributing resource materials for this section. Click on an item below to utlize the resource.

The NFL is proud to host a pool of free educational resources from top speech and debate teachers, coaches, and administrators nationwide.

Handouts include: Rules, Information, Topics, Articles, and Worksheets.

Please send coaching/teaching resources to the NFL for addition to the resource pool. The NFL asks that all contributors observe all copyright laws when submitting materials. The more educators and coaches that participate, the stronger the resource.

Rules

RULES NAME	RULES DESCRIPTION
Extemp Rules	The official National Forensic League rules for Extemporaneous.

Information

INFORMATION NAME	INFORMATION DESCRIPTION
How to Survive Novice Extemp	A handout designed to ease fears related to novice Extemp speaking by providing valuable information.

Topics

TOPICS NAME	TOPICS DESCRIPTION
NFHS Topics	A listing of past NFHS extemp topics.

Articles

ARTICLE NAME	ARTICLE DESCRIPTION
Sources in Extemp	Handout designed to aid students in incorporating more quality sources into their extemp speeches.

Worksheets

WORKSHEET NAME	WORKSHEET DESCRIPTION
Extemp Comparison	This worksheet is designed to help students in evaluating two extemp speeches.
Extemp Speech	Worksheet to help students with crafting an extemp speech; especially good for new competitors.

Rostrum articles

http://www.nflonline.org/Rostrum/PublicSpeaking

U.S. Extemp Articles

Questioning Cross-Examination by Scott Cheesewright- 3/05 Print Article
Believable Analysis and Source Selection in Extemp by Scott Cheesewright-12/04 Print Article
Extemp Prep - Procedures and Expectations by Bob Jones-05/04
Art and Skill Versus Dangerous Pedantry? by William H. Bennett-04/03
Extemporaneous Speaking or Dinner Theater? by Brian J. Householder-02/03
What Exactly Is Allowed in Extemp Prep? by David J. Matley-02/03
Growing A Tree by Jennifer Oakley-02/03
Judges, Justice, and Extemp Students by William H. Bennett-1/94
Do Sources in Extemp Make Extempers Break? by N. Andre Cossette
His Story Needs History What's Missing in Extemp by Cat Horner Bennett
The State of Extemp (or Just the Extemp of State?) by Lexy Green -02/96
An Anecdote From Extemp Prep by Ed Brower -02/96
Can the Canned Intro by Marty Ebeling - 04/94
Organizing an Extemporaneous Speech Using Unified Analysis by Robert C Carroll - 04/95
Extemp Materials at Nationals by Bob Jones & Judith Mc Masters? -05/95

Before the tournament

Review the rules!!!!!

Organizations

UIL (University Interscholastic League)

Topics are persuasive and informative

TFA (Texas Forensic Association)

Topics are domestic and foreign

NFL (National Forensic League)

Topics are U.S. and International

2006 NFL National Topic Areas

http://www.nflonline.org/uploads/NationalTournament/2006extemptopics.pdf

TOC (Tournament of Champions)

Differences

Pads vs. Cards

3 v 5 topic

Same

No handwritten materials

Highlight one color

No prepared notes

No consulting with a peer

No helping colleagues find information

No electronic retrieval devices (computers)

No visual aids

Teach and practice “prep time” allocation!

Have students get a timer so they can monitor prep time and time their speeches.

During the tournament

Take your files! Have an “extemp captain” in charge of them.

Find the draw! Try to be the first one there and claim a table.

Watch rounds!!!

14 Helpful Hints

Have students give you immediately after the speech their card or outline

Why:

1. You will be sure it doesn’t get filed accidentally.

2. You can see how they approached the question. It gives you an excellent teaching moment.

After the tournament

Debrief ballots

Brainstorm topics

Make files

15 Helpful Hints

Students should work on files that were missing or inadequate, but also brainstorm similar topic areas.

Hewlett Packard Scandal

Dell

Microsoft

Google

Virus

Etc.

Lesson Plans

Generic lesson plan http://www.extemptopicanalysis.com/Lesson_Plan.htm

Teacher: Course:

School: Dates:

Objectives:

Students will be able to:

Analyze current events.

Write and deliver extemporaneous speeches.

Evaluate extemporaneous speeches.

Create extemporaneous files.

Introduction/Focusing Questions:

What were the major news stories for the week?

Why is the story important?

What is news?

Activities for the Week:

Students will:

Monday Discuss ETA, research current events and prepare speech.

Tuesday Speech and peer evaluation.

Wednesday Discuss ETA, research current events and prepare speech.

Thursday Speeches and peer evaluation.

Friday Quiz and develop files.

Closure:

Students will:

Watch other student presentations and provide constructive comments.

Predict probable outcomes to current events.

Assessment/Evaluation:

Check for Understanding: Quiz, student questioning, and student presentations.

Guided Practice: For guided practice the students will search the internet for news articles to file and prepare an

extemporaneous speech.

Rubrics: Speeches evaluation, quiz essay and files evaluation located at http://www.extemptopicanalysis.com/instruction.asp

Homework: Practice extemporaneous speech, read news articles and review for quiz.

Grades: File, speech and quiz.

Technology Integration:

Students will: Use search engines to locate newspaper articles.

Practice Strategies

Athletic coaches contend you should practice like you play, I believe the same is true for forensics.

Try delivering these speeches to non-speech teachers, in front of your social studies class, civic groups, parents, etc.

Get a variety of opinions on student speeches, other coaches. If you don’t have another speech teacher, contact a local school and “swap” speakers. You critique theirs and they critique yours.

I would highly recommend you video tape students and then evaluate the presentation. Take your time when evaluating the tape, look for awkward movements, vocal pauses, and distracting mannerism. It is also very effective to practice in front of a mirror for the same reasons.

Keep a notebook for classroom critiques and tournament ballots. Then I can do IEP on each student.

Try to go to as many tournaments as possible. This is the real learning environment for an extemper. At the tournament, students should watch as many speakers as you can.

16 Helpful Hints

Cartoon Analysis

Cut out a political cartoon from any source once a week and paste on a large sheet of paper in the classroom. Indicate what week it is.

Discuss the issue with your team.

Print articles on the issue and file them.

Practice using the cartoon as an introduction.

Have a student give a speech on the topic.

Keep a running list through out the year of the cartons and you will end up with a “magic list” of “important topics” for the year.

17 Helpful Hints

Darts

Hang a large piece of ply wood in your room. Each week staple the cover of the Big Three to the board. Throughout the year throw a dart at the board. Have students give a short presentation explaining the news event the dart hits. They love this at least the daret throwing.

18 Helpful Hints

People Tic Tack Dough

On a large piece of poster board make a tic tack dough grid. On 3/5 cards put news questions on one side of the card and on the back a short answer. Randomly put the cards on the board. If the student correctly describes the person they get that position.

19 Helpful Hints

Recruit a history teacher (or community volunteer) to conduct round table discussions

Once a week have the “expert” explain concepts to speakers. For example, a discussion of communism and capitalism is a necessity. We need to remember students usually take government and economics as seniors so there will be gaps in their general background that we sometime assume they know. After the discussion, apply the concepts to current topics.

20 Helpful Hints

Current event report

1. Give a brief summary of the issue.

2. Provide specific facts

3. Answer: who, what, when, where, why

4. Why is the issue currently significant?

5. What is you opinion of the issue?

Attach the news article to you paper.

21 Helpful Hints

Tag team speeches

Need four speakers…

1. Introduction and conclusion

2. Point 1

3. Point 2

4. Point 3

Technique helps with balancing time on areas. You also get team coaching for the beginners.

22 Helpful Hints

Dice

Divide class into teams. Randomly open a magazine to a story.

Roll the dice.

1. What

2. Where

3. How

4. Why

5. Importance

6. All of the above

Make it a game by keeping score.

23 Helpful Hints

Speed Research

You need a timer for this activity and a computer lab.

Read a question to the students. They have 7 minutes to find the best article! They must explain why the article is the “best.”

At a minimum, you get a discussion of the issue (They have to explain why it is so good) and some “screened” articles (Have them all hit print after the 7 minutes)

24 Helpful Hints

Audience ideas

25 Helpful Hints

Audience ideas

Grades

Theory/Test 30%

Files 10%

Speeches 40%

SWT 20% (Project - Quotes, Accordion Files on an Area, Going to Use Victory Briefs)

Rubric Speeches

Name: Topic: Date:

SCALE: Rate indicators from 0-5. 5 = superior and 0 = not present.

1. _____ Did the speaker “grab” the audience? Device utilized:

2. _____ Was the attention getting devise connected to the topic?

3. _____ Was the question stated word for word? Question:

4. _____ Did the speaker answer the question? Thesis:

5. _____ Did the speaker foreshadow? Major Points:

6. _____ Were divisions appropriate for the question?

7. _____ Did the student provide an adequate amount of sources? Number_________

8. _____ Was there a variety of sources? Sources Cited:

9. _____ Was the information relevant to the topic?

10. _____ Was the information factually correct? Error(s):

11. _____ Did the speaker make effective use of internal previews and summaries?

12. _____ Was adequate time devoted to each area of the speech?

13. _____ Did the conclusion bring the speech together?

14. _____ Was there a note of finality?

15. _____ Was the delivery natural and spontaneous?

16. _____ Was the language grammatically correct?

17. _____ Were rate and volume appropriate?

18. _____ Were gestures varied?

19. _____ Was the eye contact direct?

20. _____ Did the student speak at least 5 minutes?

Effective aspects of this speech were: In your next speech, try:

1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

GRADE_________

Rubric Files

Name: Topic: Date:

SCALE: Rate indicators from 0-5. 5 = superior and 0 = not present.

1. Was the topic specific or did it need to be narrowed?

2. Was the information in a manila folder, ready to be placed in tubs?

3. Did the folder have at least eight articles?

4. Were articles highlighted suitably?

5. Was there a variety of sources?

6. Were the articles “quality” sources?

7. Did the folder contain background information?

8. Did the folder have possible introduction material (quotes, jokes)?

9. Was the folder neat and organized?

10. Did the folder violate any extemp rules?

Total _____

X 2

Grade__________

Test

Unit Test

ETA Quizzes

Part Five: Questions

Addendum: Sample Speech

Introduction

One of my favorite Aseop’s fables is the The Crow and the Pitcher:

The moral of the story:

Little by little does the trick.

First, little by little stability is being achieved in Iraq. To achieve stability in Iraq, the insurgency must be minimized and Iraq has to establish an effective Iraqi army.

The surge in insurgency activity is not an indication that we are losing the war, but rather is a last ditch effort by the terrorists to cause civil unrest in the final stages of transition in Iraq.

If expediency is the goal we should remember George Orwell's wise words, “The quickest way of ending a war is to lose it.”

Therefore, Iraq is on the right path to stability because the insurgency is little by little being minimized. The next crucial step will be to establish an effective Iraq army.

Reuters reported on September 28, “Iraqi forces are taking an increasing role in security operations and holding control of cities where military operations have flushed out insurgents.”

Given the minimization of the insurgency and establishment of an effective Iraqi army, stability is being achieved in Iraq and a pebble has therefore been placed in the pitcher.

A second crucial element to winning the war in Iraq is to establish democracy. A successful democracy requires Iraq to establish a workable constitution and hold fair elections.

US Ambassador Peter W. Galbraith, who participated in many of the discussions surrounding the writing of the Iraqi Constitution, wrote in his book Last Chance for Iraq, “…the constitution might bring stability to Iraq, a country now on the edge of full-scale civil war….The constitution provides a basis for resolving Iraq's most contentious issues: oil, territory, and the competition to be the dominant power in Baghdad…The constitution has many flaws, but it provides a peace plan that might work, and it is therefore the most positive political development in Iraq since the fall of Saddam Hussein from power.”

The Iraqi constitution is gaining support and will be the key factor to preventing the country from falling into a civil war.

On September 29, Michael Georgy with Reuters argued, “The draft constitution…is central to a U.S. and Iraqi government strategy of drawing Sunnis into politics to defuse a Sunni insurgency and keep the country from sliding towards sectarian civil war.”

Both al-Sadr's supporters and members of the Islamic Party now support the draft constitution.

Nancy A. Youssef with Knight Ridder Newspapers Sep. 28, 2005 established this, “Opposition to Iraqi constitution is weakening. The two strongest opponents of Iraq's proposed new constitution said this week that they wouldn't campaign against it aggressively, making it likely that voters will approve the constitution in an October 15 referendum.”

Youssef concluded, “Al-Sadr's and the Islamic Party's positions - coupled with last week's call from associates of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, the country's most powerful Shiite Muslim cleric, to pass the document - virtually assure that the constitution will pass. A word from the widely revered al-Sistani will sway much of the Shiite populace, which makes up 60 percent of Iraqis.”

Again little by little, one pebble at a time, we are winning the war in Iraq. Elections might be the final pebble Iraq needs to quench the thirst for democracy.

Iraq's January 30 elections were very successful. More than 8.5 million Iraqis participated in the elections despite threats of violence and terrorist attacks. Voter turnout was slightly above 58 percent.

President Bush said after the January vote, “It's inspiring to see a fledgling democracy begin to take wing right here in the 21st century in a part of the world where people didn't think there could be progress. I think there can be progress, and we'll continue to work for that progress."

Next month's constitutional referendum in Iraq will be another pebble needed to claim victory in Iraq.

On September 29, Alisha Ryu with Voice of America reported, “…more than 80 percent of Iraqis plan to vote in the October 15 referendum on the country's draft constitution.”

The Sunni vote will be crucial. The best hope may be that Sunni participate in elections because many Sunni oppose the constitution. It should be noted broadening Sunnis participation in a legitimate political process will seriously undercut the insurgency.

The New York Times reported, “American political and military officials say a large Sunni vote will be a sign that democracy is taking hold in Iraq. Still, the United States is working hard to be sure that the Sunni opponents will not prevail. (Zalmay Khalilzad, the United States ambassador to Iraq is meeting with Sunni Arab leaders almost every day, trying to persuade them to vote yes.)”

A final note on elections in Iraq, on December 15, Iraq will hold national elections to choose a new Iraqi national government.

A democracy does not form overnight – little by little does the trick. Iraq is on the path to democracy because a workable constitution is being developed and fair elections are being held in Iraq.

In the final analysis, we are winning the war in Iraq. Stability is being achieved and democracy is being established.

President Bush said during his weekly radio address on October 2, defeating terrorists in Iraq "will require more time and more sacrifice." He also argued we have “made important gains in recent weeks and months.” The president concluded U. S. military leaders and troops in Iraq "are helping us to bring victory in the war on terror.”

I agree with the President, victory in Iraq will come. I also agree with the President that the Iraqi war is a pebble, perhaps a rock, possibly a boulder, in the global war on terror. For that reason it is a war we must win and I believe we are winning little by little.