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
In U.S. Extemporaneous Speaking (USX), strong evidence is the backbone of every competitive speech. Unlike Interpretation or humorous events, USX relies heavily on accurate, timely, and credible information to support arguments. A well-researched speech not only demonstrates your understanding of current events but also builds your credibility with judges. Knowing where to find sources and how to evaluate them is just as important as delivering a polished speech.
Despite the fact that judges can't question your sources, using outdated, biased, or falsified information can undermine even the most compelling argument. Credible sources lend authority to your claims, show that you understand the issue deeply, and help you anticipate counterarguments if you are in a cross-examination round. Building a repertoire of reliable sources means less scrambling during prep time and more confidence in the speech you deliver.
When preparing your speech, it is helpful to think about sources in three main categories:
I. News Outlets:
Established national and international news organizations are crucial for staying current. Examples include The New York Times, The Washington Post, BBC, Reuters, Al Jazeera, etc. These outlets provide factual reporting on politics, economics, and social issues. (Note: Make sure that the sources you use aren't partisan, such as CNN, FOX News, etc. They will usually tell the story in a way that panders to their own party, making it a biased source!)
II. Government/Academic Sources:
For statistics, policy details, or legislation, official sources are invaluable. This includes U.S. government websites like census.gov or whitehouse.gov, as well as academic papers and policy institutes such as the Brookings Institution or Pew Research Center. These sources often provide data that can strengthen your arguments with specific numbers or historical context.
III. Specialized Publications/Think Tanks:
For deeper analysis or expert commentary, think tanks, journals, and trade publications can offer nuanced insights. Examples include Foreign Affairs for international relations, The Economist for economics, or Scientific American for science-related policy issues.
General Tips:
Don’t rely on one perspective. Using a mix of news, government, and expert sources makes your speech more robust.
USX topics are based on current events, so be sure to check dates on articles. Make sure your sources are recent (ideally within the past 6–12 months) to ensure that you are sharing up-to-date information.
Consistently check the news throughout the week! This will not only help you to stay up-to-date on potential question topics, but to also allow you to find sources you can bookmark and use during tournaments.
Make a folder on your laptop/computer titled "Extemp Sources," and bookmark key sources/articles you see throughout the week that may prove useful for tournaments. This both saves time and ensures that you always have credible sources ready for prep.
Finding credible evidence is a skill that separates a good USX speech from a great one. By knowing where to look, what to trust, and how to organize your sources, you can create speeches that are not only persuasive but also factually sound. Developing a habit of regular research and source evaluation will make you a more confident speaker and a stronger competitor in U.S. Extemporaneous Speaking.