New Impromptu Resource

For impromptu, it's often hard to get up on your feet by yourself, or even yourself and a coach. So I have this video linked below to share with you to hopefully help you out. I found it a week ago when I started preparing for double-entering, and It gave me some insights on this challenging, yet fun event! :)

TLDR;

I took some notes while watching the video, and I have them written below. These should be your main takeaways;

Impromptu Structure;

Intro;

AGD (attention getting device), link to thesis (how does your AGD connect to both your topic and your thesis?), thesis (we ought to..., we must..., we should...), roadmap (firstly, secondly, thirdly, etc.)

Points;

Transition (IE; now that we have talked about... let's see how that connects to...), claim (impact), warrant (example of how this point proves your thesis and ties into your topic).

Conclusion;

Recap, repeat roadmap, call to action (tie back to thesis, possibly with another hard hitting example that is short [personal, educational, etc.]), referring back to AGD (last lines should impact the audience).

Ways to Organize Points;

1. Unified Analysis (2 2 2) - Theory that proves thesis (IE; topic is justice, thesis is we ought to serve justice to others, theory on to why we should is because it is morally right), application/example that proves theory (court case, people wrongfully sent to jail, etc.)

2. 3 Lessons - Lessons in points are usually simple (think outside the box, be different, etc.) (IE; topic is justice, thesis is we have to make justice happen (lesson), action based justice is application, the civil rights movement is an example.)

3. Argumentative - Cause/effect/solution or problem/cause/solution. First point would be someone who did your thesis right (IE; justice should be served to others could lead to a good judge). Second point could be someone who did your thesis wrong (bad judge).

4. 3 Lenses - 3 points that connect to your topic, all of different genres. (IE; historical, cinematic, etc.) Your goal is to show your judge how all of your points of different 'lenses' connects to your topic.

Common Topic Areas;

Easily Prepped For Topics;

• Quotes (usually connect to determination, change, connection, and love)

• Nouns (usually connect to determination, change, connection, and love)

Harder to Prep for Topics;

• Recent historical events (watch the news!!)

• People/things - make sure to talk about the person/thing in the intro

• Concrete nouns (EX; Sword) - Talk about the concrete noun in the intro

Remember to keep things simple!!

Keep your head high, good things are coming!

-Emma Borchardt, 7th grade