Parent guide · Blooms, ages 11–15
How can my 11 to 15 year old give a good extempore speech?
An extempore speech is a short talk on a topic given with little or no preparation, usually one minute to think and one to three minutes to speak. Students do well by using a simple structure: say their view in one sentence, give two reasons with a quick example each, and finish by repeating the view in a fresh way. Regular practice with random topics at home makes it feel much less scary.
Key takeaways
- Use a simple frame: point, reason, example, reason, example, ending.
- In the thinking minute, decide your view and two reasons; don’t write full sentences.
- Start strong: a question, a short story or a bold statement.
- Slow down, pause and look at the audience.
- Practise with random topics: one a day for a week makes a difference.
What is an extempore speech?
In an extempore round, a student picks or is given a topic and speaks on it with very little time to prepare, often one minute. Schools use it in competitions, assemblies and class activities to test quick thinking, clear English and confidence.
How should my teen structure an extempore speech?
- Opening: a hook and your view: “Should homework be banned? I believe it shouldn’t, but it should change.”
- Reason 1 + example: “Homework helps us practise. When I revise maths at home, I find my mistakes before the test.”
- Reason 2 + example: “But too much homework steals time for sport and rest…”
- Ending: repeat your view in a fresh way: “So, less homework, but smarter homework.”
What should they do in the one minute of preparation?
- Decide your view: for, against or “it depends”.
- Jot three or four key words, not sentences.
- Pick one example from your own life for each reason.
- Choose your first line: you’ll be most nervous at the start.
How can they deliver it confidently?
- Pause for a second before starting and look up.
- Speak a little slower than normal and pause between points.
- Use linking words: first, another reason, for example, finally.
- If your mind goes blank, repeat your main point and give an example from your life.
Speaking in front of others regularly, in small steps, is one of the ways fear of public speaking reduces over time.1 Our guide on overcoming stage fear has more.
Which topics can we practise at home?
- If I could change one rule at school
- Are books better than films?
- The importance of saying sorry
- Should children have pocket money?
- My hero
- Life without the internet for a day
- Why we should save water
- Is it better to be a leader or a team player?
- Sports day should be every month
- Time is the greatest gift
Write topics on slips of paper, pick one, give one minute to think and one minute to speak, then switch.
How do Little Lingos classes help?
In Blooms, our stage for ages 11 to 15, teens plan and deliver talks, open strong, use voice and pace and handle questions, and every teen speaks many times in each 40-minute class of 3 to 6. See our public speaking classes.
Keep reading: presentation tips, Annual day speech and debate topics for students.
Questions parents ask
Questions parents ask
How long is an extempore speech?
Usually one to three minutes, with about one minute to prepare. Check the rules for the competition or class activity.
What is the difference between extempore and a prepared speech?
A prepared speech is written and practised in advance. In extempore, the student gets the topic on the spot and must think and speak quickly, so a simple structure matters more.
What if my teen knows nothing about the topic?
They can share a view from their own life and experience. A clear structure and a personal example work even when the topic is unfamiliar.
Can my teen use notes in an extempore speech?
Many rounds allow a small chit with key words from the thinking minute. Keep it to a few words so they look up and speak, not read.
How can a shy teen get better at extempore?
Start at home with one minute on easy topics, in front of one person, then build up. Short, regular practice reduces nerves over time.
Sources
- Ebrahimi, O. V., Pallesen, S., Kenter, R. M. F., & Nordgreen, T. (2019). “Psychological interventions for the fear of public speaking: A meta-analysis.” Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 488. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00488.
Sources checked 3 November 2026. This guide is general information for parents, not medical, psychological or speech-therapy advice.
See your teen speak on a topic in a demo class
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