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Limited PrepIndividual
Extemporaneous Commentary
Draw a current-events topic, prep for 20 minutes, then deliver a five-minute seated commentary from memory — a columnist's take, delivered straight to camera.
Time
5 minutes (30-second grace), seated
Prep
20 minutes
Format
Individual
Round structure
Draw & prep (20 min)
Pick an angle with an actual opinion. Commentary without a take is a news report.
The commentary (5 min, seated)
Open with voice and point of view, develop 2–3 supporting lines, close with the take restated sharper.
What judges look for
- A clear, defensible point of view — not summary
- Analysis with evidence woven in conversationally
- A consistent commentator persona
- Poise while seated: stillness reads louder on camera
- Sharp, quotable closing
Ballot criteria
Point of viewCritical
A real take, clearly argued.
AnalysisCritical
Reasoning and evidence behind the take.
Persona & deliveryHigh
Consistent voice; seated poise.
Practice tips
- Watch great columnists-turned-broadcasters and steal their openings.
- Practice seated delivery — gestures shrink; eyes and voice do the work.
- Keep weekly files of takes, not just facts.
- Drill 20-minute preps to a full outline, then compress to keywords.
Common mistakes
- Reporting the news instead of commenting on it
- A take with no warrant behind it
- Fidgeting or rocking while seated
- Running out of argument at minute three
Sample topics / sparks
- The future of the filibuster
- AI in the college classroom
- The geopolitics of semiconductor manufacturing
Drills for this event
AnalysisPersonaCurrent eventsComposure