Theoretically, the humor should contribute seamlessly to the underlying serious point. Visual aids are permitted and are often used. Manuscripts are not forbidden but should only be used if use of the manuscript is part of the humor. Impromptu A 5-minute speech on a topic provided to the speaker immediately before the speech. Nationwide, topics almost always include quotations.
Most regions use only quotations.
Whether the speaker has a choice of topics and whether speakers in the same round receive different topics varies by region. Visual aids are not forbidden but are virtually never used. A 7-minute speech on a current events topic provided to the speaker 30 minutes in advance of the speech. Topics are conventionally drawn from the past 4 to 12 weeks of the major news magazines, as defined by the tournament director. Speakers are expected to have and use a reference file of newspaper and magazine clippings.