Our Extemporaneous Speaking division is our flagship event serving some of the best and brightest students in the country for the past three years. A unique approach to instruction, we were the first institute to use college level textbooks to improve students' analysis, invite college professors to instruct and explain complex issues, and host guest lecturers from think tanks in Washington DC. These dedicated and exceptionally qualified instructors combine with outstanding resources for our students to improve the quality of their speeches.

We take an intellectually honest approach to extemp questions and answers. We don't believe in indoctrinating students into one philosophical approach but rather provide students with an honest discussion of conservative and liberal viewpoints while allowing the students and their coaches decide which answer would be best for them. This approach allows students to understand the background arguments for their own answers and how their answers can be more universally acceptable to all audiences.

Extemp students will be expected to read a considerable amount of college level texts and articles. Students will participate in high level discussions regarding matters of public policy and foreign affairs. Where possible, experts in the field will provide additional resources through lectures, discussions, and handouts. Finally, students should expect to give over 20 critiqued practice speeches. Previous years textbooks included:

21 Debated: Issues in World Politics, Second Edition
by Gregory Mahlon Scott, et al

The Mystery of Capital: Why Capitalism Triumphs in the West and Fails Everywhere Else
by Hernando Desoto

The Road to the White House 2004: The Politics of Presidential Elections
by Stephen J. Wayne

World Politics: Trend and Transformation 9th Ed
by Charles Kegley and Eugene Witkopf

All textbooks are included free of charge to every extemp student as part of their tuition!

Every extemper will be given a USB drive at orientation for their research. This will allow students to do research at any campus or personal computer and save their work on a removable drive. Students will be able to compile their research with the research of other students and use that research during practice speeches. Since students will always have access to the computer lab, we do not anticipate creating paper copies of any research except for handouts used in discussions, readings for lab, and lecture material. Since extemp research is immensely timely, we do not feel that paper research would be a good investment for students in July. However, if students wish to obtain a paper copy of their research, they will be charged the minimum available rate. Students must make arrangements to transport their paper files on their own.

Because of the ongoing interest in this unique program, we offer two divisions to better serve extemp students.

General Extemp

Extempers with little or no experience, such as one semester or year of competitive extemp, should enroll in General Extemp. This division will focus on background issues for a vast array of domestic and foreign policies. Students will have an opportunity to read a wide variety of texts and will receive individualized attention for their personal improvement. Students in this division should expect to come away from the institute with a basic understanding of most of the important issues that will occur in the next competitive season. General Extemp participants will notice marked improvement in analysis, use of research, and delivery skills.

Advanced Extemp

Extempers who have considerable experience, such as two to three years of competitive extemp especially with some national circuit exposure, should enroll in Advanced Extemp. This division focuses on the difference between a semifinal performance and a final round performance. In addition to discussing a number of issues that extempers will face in the upcoming season, advanced analysis and reading are incorporated into 'stock' topics. Students will have an opportunity to read extremely in-depth and thought provoking material. Advanced Extemp participants are expected to be able to meet a basic standard of aptitude in Extemp so the instructors can focus on minor details rather than major reforms. Students will also have the opportunity for special sessions with guests of Center including policy professionals. Past members of the Advanced Extemp group have included NFL Finalists, Semifinals, MBA Round Robin Participants, and finalists at most national circuit extemp tournaments such as St. Marks and Glenbrooks.

To learn more about our amazing instructors, please visit our staff pages:
(Please note that all students will have a chance to work with all instructors)

Advanced Division Director

Jessica Bailey, Ph.D University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, NFL National Champion, Foreign Extemp



General Division Director

Tim Sheaff, Director of Forensics, Dowling Catholic High School; founding member . Summer at the Center

Instructors & Interns

Kate Rice, Iowa City West High School; NFL Runner-up Domestic Extemp 2004; CPS Extemp Group Participant 2003, 2004

Kevin Troy, Eagan High School; NFL National Champion, Domestic Extemp 2003; CPS Scholarship Recipient 2004

Liz Kraut, St Olaf College; NFL Semifinalist 2003, 2004; MBA Round Robin 3rd place; CPS Extemp Group Participant 2003, CPS Summer at the Center Intern 2004

Guests of the Center

Adam Johnson, B.A. Vanderbilt University, Consultant; former coach Montgomery Bell Academy and Director of the MBA Extemp Round Robin; former director, Advanced Division Extemp at CPS; founding member, Summer at the Center

Brian Riedl, Grover M. Hermann fellow for Federal Budgetary Affairs at the Heritage Foundation. The Heritage Foundation’s main budget analyst, he has built a solid reputation for providing meaningful insights into the often-arcane realm of federal budget policy.