4-H Impromptu Topics
Below are some hints to help you organize your impromptu list as well as some sample topics. If
you wish to add impromptu topics to the list, please email them to Cameron Horner.
Preparing impromptu topics:
• Have lots of variety in the topics. Many organizers select three categories and create topics
under each category. Examples of categories are: current events, 4-H, humor, pop culture
(TV, books and movies) or objects.
• Create separate topics for younger speakers.
• Ensure you have enough topics so that every competitor has a choice of three, plus a few
extras.
• Topics should be matched to the age levels and competence of speakers.
• Choose topics that differ from those used in previous years.
• If coordinating topics for a competition, obtain impromptu topics from previous
competitions and ensure there are no repeats.
• Eliminate any impromptu topics that duplicate prepared speeches.
• Gather all necessary supplies such as topics, blank cards, pencils and a stopwatch.
• Time the selection and preparation time for the speaker. Allow the speaker 15 seconds to
choose the topic and one minute to prepare the speech.
• Inform the Emcee of the topic which the member has chosen.
• Show the audience the three choices and selected topic.
• If you are having trouble thinking of topics:
• Check newspapers and on-line news sources for topics on current events and popular
culture.
• Ask each member and leader for two or three topics at the beginning of the year.
• Visit the 4-H website at www.4h.ab.ca
A suggestion for organizing impromptus:
Group three topics together on a half sheet of paper and have each member select one sheet. Use
three categories to create topics from. This allows you to make sure that each member selects
topics of equal difficulty. With individual slips, it is possible for members to find out what topics
remain from previous speakers. Also, by the end of the competition, only the “hard” topics
remain.
4-H Impromptu Topics Page 1 of 13
