An extemporaneous speech is a type of public speaking that is delivered with little to no preparation. Speakers typically use notes or an outline to guide their presentation, allowing for a more natural and spontaneous delivery. This style is often used in debates, classroom settings, and professional presentations, where the speaker must respond to a topic or question on the spot. The key to a successful extemporaneous speech is the speaker's ability to think quickly and organize their thoughts coherently. This requires a good understanding of the subject matter, as well as strong communication skills. Many public speaking competitions, such as those organized by Toastmasters or National Speech and Debate Association, feature extemporaneous speaking categories to showcase these abilities.