Key Differences between Prepared and Impromptu Speeches

Differences between Prepared and Impromptu Speeches

There are several different types of speeches that one can deliver. They range from
perfectly memorized, to completely off the cuff with no preparation at all.

Prepared Speech

The most common type of speech is a prepared speech. For a prepared speech, the
speaker was been given the topic in advance, had time to do background research on it,
and has practiced delivering the speech.
This type of speech may be used when giving a presentation or speaking in a business
meeting.
However, preparation does not necessarily mean memorizing every word. A prepared
speech can be an extemporaneous, manuscript, or memorized speech, or a
combination of these techniques. An extemporaneous speech is often delivered with the
aid of note cards to help the speaker remember key points and content order. A
memorized speech is one that is recited from memory without the aid of scripts or cue
cards. A manuscript speech is one that has the entire speech written out for reference.
When preparing for a speech one should:

 Rehearse the speech as it will be presented (that is, with visual aids, standing or
sitting as will be appropriate for the real speech, etc.)
 Time the rehearsal
 Rehearse in front of others
 If possible, rehearse in the location where the speech will be delivered to become
more comfortable in the space, see how the audience will view the speech, and see
how much space is available for movement
 Create a visual and audio recording of the speech, and look for areas where body
language or vocal performance should be improved

Impromptu Speech

Another type of speech that is less commonly seen in society (but nonetheless very
useful to understand) is the impromptu speech. Impromptu speaking occurs when the
speaker is given no time to prepare for the speech; he or she is given a topic and must
immediately begin speaking on it. This speaking style involves thinking on one's feet
and being able to plan the flow of the speech as the speaker is giving it.
While this seems like a difficult style in which to give a speech, most speech in a
person's daily life is impromptu. People do not background research on every
conversation or prepare for hours before speaking to friends. However, having to give
this kind of a speech to an audience or on a topic one is not so familiar with can
definitely be a challenge.
The most common example of a real world impromptu speech is the elevator pitch.
When in an unanticipated situation where one is speaking to someone who has the
ability to advance one's career or provide an opportunity in a new field, it is crucial to be
able to deliver an excellent impromptu speech.
What is Impromptu Speaking?

Impromptu speaking is a speech and debate consolation event that involves a five to
eight minute speech with a characteristically short preparation time of one to three
minutes. The speeches tend to follow basic speech format, and cover a variety of
topics, both humorous and profound. The speaker receives a slip of paper, which
provides three choices for their speech. The topics can be abstract or concrete nouns,
people, political events, quotations or proverbs.

Rules of Impromptu Speaking

1. Students will pick a topic out the Selection Bowl
2. Students will then go immediately to their assigned groups and begin
brainstorming.
3. Students will be allowed fifteen minutes to divide between preparation and
speech time.
4. Students must speak for no less than 2 minutes and no more than 3 minutes.
5. Limited notes are permitted.
6. The speech should involve the development of an argument in response to the
thesis developed or a response to the question.

Impromptu Speech Format

Impromptu differs from the rules provided above in the fact that you are provided with
fifteen minutes of time to divide at your discretion between prepping and practicing your
speech. Additionally, all topics are quotations—occasionally themed but generally
random. Below you will find the format for developing your impromptu speech.

1. Intro, Statement of Quotation,

A. Thesis (main point)
2. First contention (main point)
A.
B.
3. Second contention(main point)
A.
B.
4. Third contention (main point)
A.
B.
5. Conclusion
A. Restate your main points.
B. Impact statement