John C Stennis Novice Invitational
2024 — Starkville, MS/US
Middle School Impromptu
Event Description:
IMPROMPTU SPEAKING
1. Topics: Topics include proverbs, abstract words, events, quotations, and famous people. Tournament directors may use pictures or other forms of prompts.
2. Drawing: A judge in each section/room shall be provided a uniform set of topics, with a different subject area(s) used for each round. Each speaker will be presented with three topics, and one will be chosen.
3. Preparation and Delivery: The speaker has seven minutes to prepare a response and present a speech without consulting prepared notes.
4. Notes: Middle schoolers may use notecards (only notecards) during the speech.
5. Time: The maximum time limit is 7 minutes with a 30-second “grace period,” including preparation and speaking. If multiple judges are in the round, all must agree that the student has exceeded the grace period. Should a student go beyond the grace period, the student may not be ranked 1st. There is no other prescribed penalty for going over the grace period. The ranking is up to each judge’s discretion. Judges who choose to time are to use accurate (stopwatch function) timing devices. No minimum time is mandated.