Day During a Speech and Debate Competition

Competing in an impromptu speech event is always unpredictable, but doing it online adds another challenge. Without a physical audience, I couldn’t rely on direct eye contact or body language to make an impact—I had to engage the judges entirely through my voice and delivery. The Seattle University speech competition had around 50 participants in my event, with three rounds leading up to finals. By the end of the day, I placed first, and looking back, I know that my approach to impromptu speaking made the difference.

Round One - A Conversational Approach

From the moment I received my first topic, I reminded myself of what sets me apart: I don’t just present a speech—I have a conversation. Many competitors treat impromptu as a chance to showcase complex arguments, packed with facts and statistics. But I’ve found that speeches are more powerful when they feel personal.

Rather than overwhelming the judges with data, I spoke as if I were talking to a friend. My speech flowed naturally, with humor and real-life examples woven in to make it relatable. This approach helps me build a connection with my audience, even in an online setting. I didn’t just state an argument—I made the judges feel involved in what I was saying.

Round Two - Keeping It Engaging

By the second round, I had settled into my rhythm. One of the biggest things I focus on in my delivery is tone. Many competitors maintain the same formal tone throughout their speech, but I intentionally shift mine to match the emotion of my points. I add excitement when telling a story, slow down for dramatic effect when making an important argument, and lighten up with humor when it fits.

Because I treat my speech like a conversation, my tone reflects natural speech patterns. This keeps the audience engaged, making my delivery feel more dynamic and less like a rehearsed monologue. Even though I couldn’t see the judges’ reactions, I imagined how they might respond and adjusted my delivery accordingly.

Round Three - Standing Out

At this stage, I knew that if I wanted to reach finals, I had to keep emphasizing my strengths. Many speakers focused on structured, logical arguments, but I leaned further into my casual yet purposeful style. I used stories, asked rhetorical questions, and kept my tone warm and approachable.

What makes my speaking style unique is that I don’t just throw information at my audience—I make them feel like we’re having a conversation. This approach breaks down the barrier between speaker and listener, making it easier for the audience to stay engaged.

Finals - Making the Last Speech Count

Finals always come with pressure, but I reminded myself to stick to what works. Instead of focusing on sounding polished, I focused on sounding real. I started with an anecdote, letting it flow naturally into my argument. I kept my tone varied, making sure each shift in pace and emphasis added to the speech rather than feeling forced.

What helped me stand out was my ability to adjust in real time. Even in an online setting, I could sense when I needed to slow down, add humor, or emphasize a key point. I didn’t just deliver a speech—I made sure it felt like a genuine conversation, one where the judges were just as involved as I was.

Winning First Place

When the results were announced, seeing my name in first place was an incredible feeling. Winning wasn’t just about strong arguments—it was about creating a connection, even through a screen.

This competition reinforced what I’ve always believed: a great speech isn’t just about facts or structure. It’s about making the audience feel something. My conversational style, my ability to shift tone naturally, and my focus on keeping the speech engaging helped me stand out. And as I continue competing, I know that staying true to this approach will always be my biggest strength.