Extempore Tips / Topics

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Somnath Thigale

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Aug 21, 2013, 6:33:29 AM8/21/13

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Introduction

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The word "Extempore" has actual meaning lying in the context of stage or theatre performances that are carried out without preparation or impromptu performances.

An extempore speech is an impromptu speech which the candidate is required to make on a topic given there and then. In some instances, the panel provides the candidate with about a minute or so to organize his/her thoughts before speaking. In those cases, you will be expected to start speaking about the topic as soon the topic is announced. Historically, FMS (a topnotch business school affiliated to Delhi University) has been known for conducting an extempore session along with the GD/PI rounds in its selection process.

An extempore presentation tests the candidates on the following:-

a. Ability to think off the feet

b. Analysis of the topic and identification of the issue to be addressed

c. Idea generation

d. Prioritization and sequencing to display logical thinking

e. Ability to connect with the panel

f. Communication skills

g. Overall presentation skills-body language, confidence, poise, composure etc.

For effective extempore speaking, candidates must be fluent, erudite and articulate. Students are suggested to prepare well in advance so that that impromptu speech comes out to be spontaneously impressive!

Some Tips:

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Mental Preparation: Know what to speak before delivering speech. Ponder over the topic for some time and prepare the flow of delivery. Your previous extempore practice sessions would surely help here. Understanding the audience, the direction they are most likely to accept , helps in framing the flow of speech.

Start speaking in an even pace: Do not start really fast, as you are likely to end up not having anything to speak.

Confidence: Confidence along with Knowledge always helps, even in abstract topics where the candidate is tested on presence of mind, spontaneity and analytical skills.

Handle mental blocks smartly: At times, when you get blank about what to speak, try to maneuver yourself out of the situation gracefully by avoiding being nervous. Candid smiles also help and for such situations it is better to have back up plans.

Control on speech: Don't get emotional about the respective topic, avoid getting too personal on sensitive matters, don't even deviate from the topic and talk irrelevant. For a satisfactory performance, it is always better to use your knowledge in an intelligent way with a control on the speech.

Presenting both sides – Incase of controversial topics (e.g; Should republic day celebrations be redefined?), the Candidate may choose to explore both sides, a stand which becomes difficult to take in case of GDs due to challenges of group dynamics.

In an extempore, since the candidate is the only person speaking, it becomes possible for a smart, strategic speaker to discuss both aspects of the controversial topic. However, one has to be careful about the time constraints while taking this stand.

Competence, Enthusiasm & Adaptability is the key: Work on your competence and competitive advantage which may be either excellent vocabulary, good general knowledge, etc. How well and quickly a candidate adapts to the situation he/she is put in and with what enthusiasm and energy level does he/she deliver the speech are some of the other desirable evaluation parameters.

More often than not, you can use the following guideline to talk on an extempore topic :-

a. If possible define the topic or specific terms of a topic.

b. If any widely known classifications exist about the subject of the topic, talk about the classifications.

c. Provide supporting evidence in the form of data (if you know) or examples.

d. If the topic provides scope for narrating personal experiences, use the opportunity to do so.

Most importantly, time yourself well. If the panel has given you one minute, try and do one or more of what has been mentioned in points a to d and complete the extempore logically. It may not be a good idea to be stopped in the middle of one your sentences.

Examples:-

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Red or Blue?

The colors red and blue remind me of the corporate cola giants- Coke and Pepsi; where Coke has a dominant splash of red in its promotional campaigns, while Pepsi connects with its customers through a brilliance of blue. Taking this corporate warfare ahead is the example of Jet Airways (blue) and Kingfisher (red), where the latter was a strong competitor to the long drawn supremacy of Jet Airways in the private aviation sector. Further, it also reminds me of this wonderful book authored by John Gray, "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus", where men and women are two diametrically opposite species in terms of their sensitivity levels, behavioral patterns and temperamental differences. However, looking at the topic from another angle is the coexistence of red and blue in the "vibgyor" spectrum to make white light which is the essence of life…….

Thanks & Warm Regards:

Mr. SOMNATH THIGALE

Training & Placement Officer

Assist. Professor CSE Dept,SKN Sinhgad COE Korti-Pandharpur.

IITB Aakash Coordinate for Remote Center ID:1260
Telephone No.: (TPO) 02186-250144 (M) +91-9970158565 Ext: 144