Southwest Airlines Professional Communications Certification Practice Exam

Extemporaneous public speaking is speaking ______________.

1. With little to no preparation

2. With a prepared script

3. With less than 30 minutes to prepare

4. With more than an hour to prepare

The correct answer is: With less than 30 minutes to prepare

The concept of extemporaneous public speaking refers to a style of delivering a speech or presentation that combines preparation with a degree of spontaneity. It allows the speaker to engage with the audience effectively while utilizing notes or an outline rather than a full script. The correct interpretation indicates that extemporaneous speaking is often associated with having a limited amount of time to prepare, typically less than 30 minutes. This scenario encourages speakers to rely on their existing knowledge and experience, while still allowing for some organization and thoughtfulness in their delivery. The challenge lies in articulating ideas clearly and confidently without the luxury of extensive preparation, which is emblematic of effective extemporaneous speaking. In contrast, having a prepared script or extensive time for preparation would indicate a different style of delivery, one that is not classified as extemporaneous. Therefore, less than 30 minutes aligns perfectly with the fundamental characteristics of extemporaneous public speaking.