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Objective:
It may seem like an insane combination, but it seems right to me for baseball and impromptu speaking to go together! Both require strategy, quick thinking, and even fielding some crazy fly balls. Most students get very nervous when they are told that the next assignment is an impromptu speech– but in this iteration, they are in teams, the topics are pretty friendly, and it’s “game-ified” a bit to take some of the anxiety out of the assignment. Hopefully, combining the quick-thinking skills of impromptu speaking with the excitement of baseball in this engaging classroom activity. “On the Fly!” will make limited preparation speaking an enjoyable experience for your students.
Setup:
Teams:
Students will form groups of two or three. Each team will take turns in different roles, ensuring that everyone gets a chance to participate and refine their impromptu speaking skills.
Roles:
Teams will rotate through three positions:
- Up: The speaking team.
- On Deck: Preparing to speak next.
- In the Hole: Prepping to speak.
Game Flow:
Preparation Time:
Each team gets 5 minutes to prepare before speaking. This time is crucial for organizing thoughts and ensuring that each team member is ready for their impromptu presentation.
Prompt Selection:
Five minutes before their speaking time, the team will draw three prompts and discard two, leaving one prompt to speak on. The prompts range from questions like, “If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?” to “Discuss a book that left a lasting impact on you– how did it influence your thinking?” Allowing for some choice allows students to play to their strengths.
Speech Preparation:
- Structure: Teams will be provided with a template to help organize their impromptu speech, ensuring a coherent and well-organized presentation.
- Examples: Each team member must provide a unique answer and example to the prompt. This encourages creativity and critical thinking, essential in impromptu speaking.
- Speech Components: Students will prepare a brief introduction, explanation, and conclusion. Each student should aim to speak for 60-90 seconds, allowing for concise and impactful impromptu presentations.
Speaking Order:
- The team that is “Up” will deliver their speeches to the class.
- The team that is “On Deck” will be actively preparing their speeches, refining their impromptu ideas.
- The team “In the Hole” will draw their prompts and begin preparation for the next round.
Teacher’s Role:
Initial Monitoring:
The teacher will monitor the preparation of the first two teams to ensure they are on track and provide any necessary guidance.
Ongoing Support:
After the first round, the team that has already spoken will take over monitoring the preparation of the other teams. They will make sure teams draw at the right time and that teams receive their five minutes of prep. This peer-led approach encourages collaboration and accountability among students.
Awards:
At the end of each inning, the teacher will present three awards:
- Most Creative Example (Most Dramatic Play): For the team with the most original and creative example, celebrating their impromptu speaking skills.
- Best Answer (Best Strategy): For the team with the most compelling and well-structured points, recognizing their ability to present a clear and convincing impromptu case.
- Best Delivery Award (Coolest Uniforms): For the team with the most polished and engaging delivery, acknowledging their confidence and presentation skills.
Tips for Success:
- Encourage Creativity: Originality in examples will make impromptu speeches stand out, engaging the audience and making a lasting impression.
- Stay Organized: A clear introduction, explanation, and conclusion will help the audience follow along.
- Foster a Supportive Environment: Speaking in groups creates an atmosphere where students feel comfortable taking risks, encouraging collaboration and teamwork.
Conclusion:
“On the Fly!” is more than just a speaking exercise—it’s a fun, silly, and interactive way to develop critical impromptu speaking skills. By blending the spontaneity of impromptu speaking with the team spirit of baseball, this activity brings a unique and exciting twist to the classroom that’s sure to be a home run!
