First Speeches: Impromptu Jeopardy

Learning Objectives

  • Deliver speeches from prepared notes.

  • Identify common public speaking errors.

  • Identify common public speaking best practices

Time Needed

~15-30 min.

Resources & Materials

  • Paper (2-3 sheets per student)

  • Pencil/pen (1 per student)

Teacher Preparation

  • Create a list of prepared impromptu speech topics, divided by category. To keep student interest, topics should be humorous and slightly bizarre.
    • Example Category: General
      • Example Topic: If a unicorn were running for president, what would be their campaign slogan?
    • Example Category: Interview Questions
      • Example Topic: A penguin wearing a sombrero walks through the door. What would you say to the penguin? Why?

Lesson Outline

  • Impromptu Jeopardy
    • Explain that students will be delivering short, impromptu (improvised) speeches. While speeches MAY NOT be pre-written, a short outline is allowed.
    • Write speech categories (e.g., Would You Rather)/ student roles (below) on the board.
    • Assign speeches to squad members as per the following roles:
      • Student 1: Giving Speech 1. This student will deliver a short, one to two-minute speech on an assigned topic.
        • Note: At the beginning of the activity, this student will need to pick a category and be assigned a topic (similar to Student 2).
      • Student 2: Preparing Speech
        • Ask this student to pick a category and assign an appropriate impromptu topic. While Student 1 is speaking, Student 2 is preparing to speak.
      • Student 3: Positive Feedback
        • Ask this student to listen to the speech being given and give one piece of positive feedback afterwards.
      • Student 4: Point of Improvement
        • Ask this student to listen to the speech being given and give one point of improvement to the speaker.
    • Once a speaker has finished, assign sub-sequent speeches by “snaking” around the room, as per the above format. Continue until each squad member has given a speech.
      • Example: Student 2 (preparing a speech) becomes Student 1 (delivering a speech).

Points of Improvement

  • Students lack a clear thesis and supporting details do not relate to assigned topic.

  • Students do not fill assigned time.

Instructor Notes

  • Students may be confused by the format. Point to each student and say what they should do for the first few speeches.

  • If time permits, give basic public speaking tips after each speech.