Impromptu Sales
This fun and fast fling event requires no prep and challenges the speaker to create a short "infomercial" about an unknown object. (Even the event designer doesn't know what these are!) The image of the real object contains no information about it's name or intended purpose. A student gets to decide what the item is called, what it does, why everyone should buy one, how much it costs and how to get one. It is TOTALLY unnecessary to know what this object is really supposed to do!
Fun and creativity are encouraged!
Impromptu Sales is a "fling" category that is not offered in every tournament. If a tournament will be offering Impromptu Sales, it will be announced in the invitation.
Impromptue Sales: In this solo event, the student will pull one image of an object (which may be familiar but most likely unknown) from a "for sale" bag and then have 5 minutes to both prepare and present a short, coherent "sales pitch" inspired by the newly named picture in hand. Students may use one 3 X 5 card to prepare. Judges will provide audible, verbal time signals while the student is preparing and then switch to visual time signals once the sales pitch begins. The presentation should have a logical beginning, middle and end and should be designed to "sell" the item to the audience. The presentation may be humorous or serious in nature and knowledge of the true function of the item is unnecessary. It is an opportunity for a contestant to be creative and imaginative.
Time Limit: 5 minutes with a 30 second grace period for both preparation and delivery, which may be divided at the student's discretion.
Judges must provide verbal and visual time signals. Students who speak beyond the time limit plus the grace period may not be ranked 1st.
During this performance the student should strive to demonstrate the following skills:
CONNECTION TO AUDIENCE: creates interest and holds your attention; presents a well developed sales pitch that tempts you to purchase the item.
VOCAL VARIATION: effectively varies volume, pitch, speaking rate, tone, pauses, emphasis and mood.
PHYSICAL VARIETY: uses eye contact and varies facial expressions, gestures, and body language to enhance their sales pitch.
ORGANIZATION AND STRUCTURE: Did the student construct a well-organized sales pitch; avoid slang, poor grammar, and mispronunciations; use a distinct organizational pattern, which you could easily follow?
USE AND EXAMPLES: Did the student effectively name and “sell” the item; use a variety of examples to illustrate their ideas on the item’s purpose?
Here's an example of an unknown object a student might have to "sell" to the audience and judge:
ex_impromptu_sales_object.jpg
Click below to download Impromptu Sales Ballot
impromptu_sales_ballot.pdf
Click below to download Impromptu Sales Judge Instructions
impromptu_sales_judge_instructions.pdf
impromptu_sales_ballot.pdf
Click below to download Impromptu Sales Judge Instructions
impromptu_sales_judge_instructions.pdf