Tyler Fabbri competed for Chesterton High School in Chesterton, Indiana. He was last year’s NFL national champion in United States extemporaneous speaking. He was also a finalist at Glenbrooks and participant at the Montgomery Bell Extemp Round Robin. Tyler is a three-time Indiana state champion, winning the state’s Public Forum title in 2008, Impromptu title in 2009, and United States extemp title last year. This fall, Tyler will attend Loyola University in Chicago. He sat down for an interview with Extemp Central to discuss his experiences in extemporaneous speaking and provide advice for up and coming competitors.
Scisco: Why do you think you were able to become a NFL national champion last year? In other words, what characteristics about your speaking style enabled you to win over the diverse pool of judges at the tournament?
Fabbri: There was definitely some luck involved. I think speaking in front of so many judges and drawing so many questions forces luck to be a factor. But hard work factors in, too. Heading into the national tournament, I gave at least two practice speeches a day to my coaches for about two
weeks. Before that, at least three per week. The main thing I practiced though, was simplicity. I was told to try and explain the complex topics I was given inextemp like as if I were talking to my mother. If I could make it easily understood and show that I’m having fun while doing it, I would be successful. So a lot of preparation and practice helped me adapt. And believe me, parent judges appreciate the occasional joke. An extemp round can be painful for a judge that wanted a duo round.
Scisco: What was your favorite tournament to attend last year? Why?
Fabbri: The MBA Round Robin, without a doubt. I met some people there that I’m still friends with today and probably will be for never seen such an important and competitive tournament be so sociable and laid back. I was concerned going in that people would be snobby and arrogant, but it was amazing. The judging was ridiculous because we had panels that actually knew what the European Union was if mentioned in a speech. And did I mention the food? Brilliant, to say the least. Also, I learned more at that tournament from critiques and seeing other speakers than I did at any other tournament. My school has basically no budget and doesn't travel much so I almost couldn’t go. I recommend that anyone who is invited make an effort to attend. You won't be disappointed.
Scisco: What event would you have done in forensics if you had not done extemp?
Fabbri: Like I said, I was a PFD guy. I still did it up til senior year, but it wasn’t as much of a focus as it once was. I think that is the most likely path I would have taken had I not been introduced to extemp. There's also the chance I could have focused on oratory, which could have led to me doing interp events. Let's just be thankful no one has seen me do drama.
Scisco: It has been a while since Indiana has had a national champion in extemp. How do you think Indiana measures up to other states in extemporaneous speaking?
Fabbri: Yes it has (laughs). I think Indiana does pretty well but the state isn't quite as dominant as California, Minnesota, or Texas. It’s definitely not like policy debate in that we get demolished on the circuit either. Indiana is competitive in the event. We’ve had quite a few people in the NFL and NCFL outrounds in extemp over the years and we had two in the Glenbrooks final. I expect Indiana to remain competitive in the future, and I hope Indiana doesn't have to wait another eight years for a title.
Scisco: Do you believe there are any emerging trends in extemp? Are there any changes you would like to see in the event?
Fabbri: Obviously with the internet available everywhere, people are starting to use more internet sources (think tanks, foreign newspapers, etc.) each year. I think that can add some depth to analysis that speakers wouldn’t get from a USA Today. Also, I’ve been told that in the past some speakers used “two point analysis.” Now most people suggest that you have to do three areas and doing two is grounds for a good flogging. I did a couple two point speeches at NFL’s this year and they were solid. I think I would like to see people avoid forcing a third area. While two point analysis runs the risk of looking weaker, adequate structure takes care of that. Case in point, Dylan Slinger’s final round speech this year which was clearly very good. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen someone force a third area that didn’t really fit with the other two. It just takes away from the overall answer I think.
Scisco: Any predictions for this coming year on the circuit?
Fabbri: Obviously Dylan Slinger is a beast. He won NCFL and was second at NFL. He’s clearly a name that will be talked about all season, and he deserves it. Forrest Richardson had an impressive NFL’s, barely missing the final in USX. Nabeel Zewail had an outstanding year and I hope he has another one. I think Asheshananda Rambachan was a freshman and made Semi’s in IX. He’ll be someone to look out for in the coming years. I hope Jared Odessky has another great year. I cross ex’d him in a semi-final and he was terrific. I expect him to do some damage this year. Other people that come to mind are Kimia Dargahi and Emily Martin. But just like every year, there will be people making big splashes that no one has ever heard of. And I think that's part of the excitement. If anyone would have predicted me to final at NFL my junior year they would have been laughed at. Always watch out for the non-circuit folks, they're tough (laughs).
Scisco: What are your future plans? Do you plan on judging any major tournaments next year?
Fabbri: This fall I start my freshmen year at Loyola University Chicago where I’m studying political science, international business, and Russian. Eventually I’ll dive into politics. As for judging, I’ll almost for sure be at Glenbrooks and potentially MBA if things work out. I may do a couple of Indiana tournaments as well. I may judge more if given the opportunity. I really look forward to seeing who makes a splash, and really hope to judge extemp rounds at the Glenbrooks.
Scisco: Thanks again Tyler for doing this interview with Extemp Central and congratulations again on a great season.
Fabbri: Not a problem Logan, I’m glad I could do it. And thanks again, it’s been awesome.
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