Impromptu Resources
On-line stopwatch
Practice cliche' list
Kohl's American Values (use this to generate stories and examples with application to a wide variety of cliches.
Impromptu Practice template to print (fold in 3rds to practice 3 speeches)
What the letters on the template mean:
Quick Reference Guide:
How to use your prep time:
- Choose your cliche' and write it under AM
- Under SC explain what the cliche' means
- In the thesis agree or disagree with the cliche' (or both)
- Think of 2 reasons you agree or disagree (these will be your main points)
- Think of an example to illustrate each reason, write down a 1-3 words to remind you of the example.
- Think of a short emotion-provoking instance to begin the speech (AG)
Now your time is probably up...it is a good thing you've practiced so you have phrases to lead you through the speech...
Phrases that will keep you moving through the speech:
Generating stories and examples to use...
First, realize that all of the cliche's are "words of wisdom" meant to teach a lesson. Once you understand that it is easier to find examples and stories to use. Here are some areas you might brainstorm (feel free to print the below template to ease the brainstorming process:
- Think of your role models. Write down the most admirable characteristics of each role model. What examples from their lives can you share that highlights their best qualities?
- Think of the people you love. Write down their most admirable qualities. What examples from their lives can you share that highlights their best qualities?
- Think of your best job/teacher/learning experience. Write down the qualities that made those experiences "the best" What examples from these experiences can you share that highlights their best qualities?
- Think of your worst job/teacher/learning experience. Write down the qualities that made those experiences "the worst" What examples from these experiences can you share that highlights their worst qualities?