Impromptu is a limited preparation speech in which the

speaker is given two minutes to prepare a five-minute speech

on a randomly assigned topic.

IMPROMPTU
SPECIFIC EVENT RULES
Goal: The goal of the event is to take an assigned topic and develop a meaningful and unique presentation
about that topic in a short amount of time.
Time: 2-minute preparation time; 5-minute maximum speaking time; no minimum time. There is no official
penalty for time, and judges may use discretion when weighing a speakers time into their ranking. Unused
preparation time may not be added to the speaking time.
Rules: All General Individual Event Rules and Script Submission Rules and Guidelines must be followed,
along with the specific event rules below.
1. The speaker must speak on one of the topics drawn in that round. Each speech must be an original and
unique work, prepared on the spot for that round.
2. Each rounds topics must come from a single category. The categories shall be either a selection of
quotations, phrases, or abstract words.
3. Preparation time begins when the speaker draws a topic slip. The speaker will draw his topic slip, which
will have two choices on it, and choose one of the two to speak on.
4. No outside sources or material may be brought into the prep area of the competition room other than a
pen. The speaker may write notes during prep time on blank paper provided in the round, but no written
notes may be used during the speech.
5. During the presentation, the speaker may only hold the chosen topic paper. No notes may be written on
the chosen topic paper.
6. The speaker must state the chosen topic early in the speech. A one rank penalty is required for failure to
do so.
7. The speaker may approach the topic creatively, but the chosen topic must be the central theme of the
speech and not peripheral to it. A one rank penalty is required for failure to adhere to the chosen topic.
8. Only feet are permitted to touch the floor at any time.

NCFCA Impromptu Rules Revised August 2015