Impromptu Speech Guidelines

Adapted from the Utah Virtual 4-H Contest Invitational Guidelines

Updated 3.19.26

Eligibility

The Impromptu Speech exercise can be used by all 4-H members at their county Public Speaking Events. Any enrolled 4-H member who qualifies for and attends the Maine State Public Speaking Showcase may participate in the exercise as an additional opportunity during the event. Participation (or not) will in no way impact a member’s score in the actual event.

Impromptu Guidelines

  • Each participant will choose a slip of paper containing two topics from a “hat.” The participant has a maximum of one minute to determine which topic they would like to present and make not on provided paper if they choose. Topics will be relevant to today’s youth and may include current events, 4-H, and/or social issues. Examples of the topics may include:
    • If I were an author, I would write about…
    • One issue facing teenagers today is…
    • If I could describe my personality as a tree, I would be a…
    • Being involved in 4-H has taught me…
  • Topics will be at the discretion of the event facilitators.
  • Each speech will be timed and must be between 1-3 minutes for Juniors and 2-4 minutes for Seniors. A cue will be given 15 seconds before the maximum time is reached.
  • Participants will be delivering their speeches to the Impromptu judges and room audience.
  • Participants may not use any costumes, posters, visual aids, or props for their presentations.
  • Participants are not allowed to present any items to the judges.

Impromptu Procedures

  1. As soon as the topics have been read, the Timer will start the countdown for one minute.
  2. At the end of the one minute, the presenter may begin their presentation.
  3. Time begins with the presenter begins their speech, and ends when they say “Thank you” or “Are there any questions?”. 
  4. The Room Host will hold up a cue card to visually mark a 15-second warning before the maximum time (3 minutes for Juniors; 4 minutes for Seniors).
  5. When the maximum time has been reached, the Room Host will let the presenter know they must stop their speech, but may still take questions.
  6. Each presenter may take 2 or 3 audience questions.
  7. Each judge may offer up to one minute of verbal feedback to the presenter.