Katherine Zakari is a senior at Jackson High School, 4-year member of the speech and debate team in United States Extemporaneous Speaking, and the Founder/Senior Director of Speech Resources
Extemporaneous speaking can feel fast-paced and complex, but a clear structure helps you stay organized and ensures your audience can follow your argument. One of the most effective ways to structure an extemp speech is using a framework. This provides a roadmap for analysis and delivery while keeping your speech cohesive, persuasive, and easy to follow.
Here’s what the flow looks like as a whole:
I (Introduction): Introduce your topic and provide context. Explain why the issue matters and set the stage for your analysis.
Q (Question): State the extemp question clearly. This ensures your audience knows exactly what you are answering.
A (Answer): Provide your thesis or central claim. This is one concise sentence that directly answers the question.
1. (First Key Point): Present your first main argument supporting your thesis.
a: First Evidence Point
b: Second Evidence Point
2. (Second Key Point): Present a second argument or perspective that supports your thesis.
a: First Evidence Point
b: Second Evidence Point
3. (Third Key Point): Present a final argument, which may include contrasting perspectives, consequences, or solutions.
a: First Evidence Point
b: Second Evidence Point
C (Conclusion): Tie the speech together by restating your thesis in light of your key points, summarizing the analysis, and leaving the audience with a clear takeaway or call to action.
Using this flow, you create a speech that moves logically from context and question to argument, evidence, and conclusion. Each key point is supported with clear evidence, and smooth transitions between points help your speech feel connected rather than like a list of facts.
By following this framework, your speech will have a clear roadmap that is easy for both you and your audience to follow. The result is a speech that flows naturally, communicates authority, and leaves a strong impression on judges.