Luck of the Irish Invitational
2025 — Online, MI/US
Impromptu
Event Description:
Impromptu speaking should develop speakers able to provide reasoned responses with minimal preparation to a topic with which the individual has some familiarity. The impromptu speech will reflect knowledge about a subject area, which the speaker has been able to review for some time, presented in an articulate manner within an organized framework.
A different topic will be chosen for each level of the individual events series. The areas will be diverse and may represent current or historical concerns (drugs, education, space exploration, sports, literary materials are examples of subject areas). The topic area for both Regional and State competitions will be announced on or before January 1.
To remove the topic as a variable factor in the decision, all contestants in the same section will speak on the same topic. Topics will be short excerpts of approximately three to five sentences in length (with a maximum of 150 words) from editorial material related to an announced topic area and will be chosen to elicit a generalized response from the speaker. The Executive Director will develop the specific editorials for competition. Coaches may submit material for consideration. The time schedule for a contest is the responsibility of the Tournament Director.
Topics are made available to speakers in the following manner:
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The impromptu topic for each section will be given to the appropriate judge(s) immediately prior to each round.
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Speaking order will be randomly set. At six-minute intervals, contestants will be transferred to the speaking room. The only materials a contestant is allowed to use are writing implements, blank note cards, and/or blank paper. The contestant is unable to use prepared notes, documents, publications, or printed material of any nature into the speaking room.
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The judge will post the topic in the chat the contestant.
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Six minutes is the suggested total time limit for preparation and speaking for each contestant. Timing will begin when the contestant receives the topic from the judge. An oral reading of the topic is prohibited. There is no minimum speaking time; however, it is conceivable a contestant could speak for most of the six minutes. Timing should begin with the six-minute card and progress downward to zero. Verbal announcements of the total presentation time must be made at the end of the presentation. Presentations, which do not conform to the suggested time parameters, may be penalized at the discretion of the judge. Penalties are not mandatory.
After speaking, each contestant must remain in the room with camera off to listen to the remaining speakers.
BASIS OF DECISION
Concept of Impromptu Speech: The purpose of this event is to allow the verbalization of individual opinions on a topic of general interest. The emphasis is on the establishment of a personal position on the topic. Organization is important.
Adherence to the Topic: The speaker should endeavor to relate the concepts of the topic to the specific editorial. Examples and illustrations from any area of knowledge may be used to highlight the theme of the presentation.
Action and Platform Conduct: The contestant words the speech as it is delivered. A brief outline of the presentation may be made in the time period between the selection of the topic and the presentation. An outline is not mandatory. A contestant may speak without the use of notes.
Oral Presentation: The speaker should give the impression of genuineness without affectation in attitude, manner, or appearance.