Testimonials
Students love our camp! We’ve received countless testimonials and emails from all kinds of students, including beginners starting out in this activity to advanced extempers making their mark on the national scene. Let’s take a look at just a few of the many testimonials and emails we’ve received from our past camp participants.
Riley McGinley, an extemp speaker from Colorado, texted Peter and Ananth after winning the Colorado state tournament. Here’s what she said:
Hey Peter and Ananth, I hope everything’s going well for you at college. I just wanted to tell you thank you guys for everything you taught me about extemp. Last night I won the Colorado 4A State Championship in USX. All the amazing things you guys taught me last summer helped me improve astronomically this year, and I truly cannot thank you enough for it. Thank you!
Sofia Esteban, a competitor from Texas, emailed us only a month after her camp session. Here’s what she had to say about her Paramount experience:
Hey y'all! I did Paramount extemp camp this summer and I just wanted to tell you that I’m so grateful for all that you guys taught me. So far this season I’ve competed in two swing tournaments; I’ve won twice and gotten second once. I can feel how much better I’ve gotten. I credit so much of my growth to the drills, lectures, and feedback you have given me. Sorry for how random this message is, just wanted to thank you guys for all your help :)
Saathvik Kannan, a Missourian extemper who has earned several bids to the TOC, said he’d recommend Paramount Extemp to any of his friends:
Before this camp, I struggled with created a rigid analysis that communicated with judges, now I feel that my ability to communicate more complex analysis has improved. Anyone, from beginner to advanced, should pursue this camp, and they will definitely see their skills significantly improve.
Triona Tsai, a student from California, came into Paramount with no extemp speaking background. Now, she’s gained a newfound confidence in her speaking abilities:
Before I came to camp, I did not know anything about extemporaneous speaking. But now, I know the structure, and I can write my own speech! The teachers/coaches were very encouraging, and helped me understand and have a good time. The camp is full of information, whether for novices or intermediate speakers. Thanks for the great time!
Matthew Abrams, a Coloradan extemper who has secured several bids to the TOC, said that Paramount Extemp refined his speaking talents:
This camp is a tremendous opportunity to refine both content and delivery. My goals have been advanced through a week of comprehensive and detailed instruction, leaving me confident and excited for the season.
Evelyn Tsoi, an Illinois extemper who qualified for nationals this year, said these great things about Paramount Extemp:
When I started this activity it almost seemed like a chore, repetitive and time-consuming. But after coming to camp, I realized that Extemp isn't just about practice and prep, it's about the spontaneity and the ability to teach someone something new. This camp gave me a purpose in Extemp and taught me how to master my skills through content lectures, practice speeches, delivery drills, and more. I can full-heartedly say that Ananth and Peter are some of the best instructors out there, and they'll guide you to make this Extemp season your best one yet. It's more than a steal.
And even more testimonials from our 2024 camp…
“In one week, Peter, McKinley, and the other coaches at Paramount completely transformed my outlook on this event. I noticed early on that the Paramount style of extemp coaching is uniquely helpful. The camp experience is personalized to each student's needs and areas of weakness; in addition, because the coaches are young and have have extensive success at some of the most competitive tournaments in the nation, they know exactly what makes a good extemper, conveying this knowledge in a fun, casual, and engaging way that appeals to high school students. Throughout the week, I slowly began to enjoy extemp and felt immense improvement in terms of my content, structure, analysis, and delivery. As someone who primarily competes in other events, this camp also helped me develop many of the skills that are important for any speech and debate student. I would highly recommend this camp for anyone interested in extemp or similar debate-type events!”
“Before coming to Paramount Extemp I struggled with memorization and incorporating humor into my speech. Now after finishing camp, I can say that both of those are no longer an issue and I feel my extemp skills have been greatly improved.”
“Paramount Extemp has been an amazing journey this summer. I have learned how to memorize my speech, even where I live, we generally use a notecard. Peter and McKinley have been extremely wonderful in teaching me about everything I need to learn to be a master in Extemp. I am so happy and thankful that I met these wonderful coaches and mentors who will help me excel for the rest of my Speech & Debate career. Thank you for everything you have done for us. I really appreciate it.”
“This camp truly helped me in every aspect of Extemp. The Paramount lectures and practice greatly helped in both my content and delivery. I came into this camp with hundreds of questions and ended with everything answered as well as a full understanding of how to succeed in the future.”
“I went into camp looking for a few strategies to up my extemp game for my senior season, and came away with a whole host of drills, new techniques, and all my questions answered. The amazing structure lectures, drills, and speeches were very effective and I am confident that I have all the tools to succeed! Thank you Paramount.”
“Before paramount I was a pretty average extemper, I had success but it was very inconsistent. During paramount I learned a lot of my weaknesses and how to turn them into strengths and it was a very rounding experience. I think this camp is amazing and really helps you discover a new reason why to practice and love extemp!”