Extemp Resources
Explainer #1
Introduction to Extemporaneous Speaking
If you love discussing current events and want a limited preparation event, extemporaneous (extemp) is the event for you. Competitors are asked to give a seven minute speech on a current event question after thirty minutes of preparation time. Here is an extemporaneous speech given by a former Mt. SAC student:
Questions
Here are some extemp questions from a recent NOF tournament back in December 2021. As a competitor, you would pick one to answer for your speech.
1. Does the Log4j digital flaw point to a lack of cybersecurity in the United States?
2. Should we trust the conclusions of the House’s January 6 committee?
3. Has the US Supreme Court lost its legitimacy?
Podcasts
In addition to reading daily newspapers, listening to NPR, and watching cable news all day, one way to keep up on current events are podcasts from the major news outlets that summarize the day’s news in a short amount of time. These podcasts will introduce you to a broad range of topics in just a short amount of time. It also can help teach you how to explain complex current event topics in a concise manner.
5 Things - by USA Today
Apple News Today - by Apple News
Start Here - by ABC News
The Journal - by the Wall Street Journal
Up First - by NPR
Daily Emails
You can also sign up to get the top stories of the day emailed to you from most major newspapers and magazines such as:
The Morning Newsletter - from the New York Times
Morning Brief - from Foreign Policy
The 7 - from the Washington Post
Community Websites
There are also some great community resources available on the web:
Talk to your coach about trying out Extemp at the next NOF tournament — you’ll work on your off the cuff speaking and learn about current events. Got any other great extemp resources? Send them into info@nationalonlineforensics.org and we can add them here.