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Understanding Impromptu Speech Patterns: Techniques and Examples

The thought of giving a speech without any prep used to send chills down my spine, and trust me, I wasn’t alone in feeling this way. After tackling my own fears head-on and exploring strategies for mastering impromptu speaking, I decided it was time to share what I’ve learned.

This blog is packed with techniques and examples aimed at turning those nerve-wracking, spontaneous speeches into moments where you truly shine . Prepare to impress yourself!

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

• An impromptu speech is a talk you give without planning ahead. You have to think fast and speak well right away.
• Using methods like PREP (Point, Reason, Example, Point) or STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) helps organize your thoughts quickly for clear speeches.
• Practicing with different topics improves your quick thinking skills . Joining groups like Toastmasters can offer support and feedback to boost confidence in speaking on the spot.
• Reframing a topic lets you present familiar ideas in new ways which can make your spontaneous speeches more engaging for the audience.
• Giving impromptu speeches gets easier with practice. Start by answering questions off-the-cuff or giving mini-speeches during meetings to build up your skill.

What is an Impromptu Speech?

An impromptu speech is a talk without prior planning. It requires thinking on your feet and delivering information confidently to an audience, often with little or no preparation.

An impromptu speech is one you give without much or any time to prepare. You might know a little about the topic beforehand, but you have to come up with what you’re going to say on the spot.

This type of speech tests your ability to think quickly and speak fluently in unexpected situations. They show how well you can connect with an audience spontaneously, using only your knowledge and skills on the fly.

The beauty of impromptu speaking lies in its unpredictability and raw authenticity.

Understanding why these speeches matter helps us appreciate their role in everyday communication , from classroom discussions to business meetings. It’s all about making a strong impression with whatever information you have at hand.

Now let’s look into some effective techniques for delivering impromptu speeches that can help anyone get better at this valuable skill.

When it comes to public speaking , understanding impromptu speech patterns is key. It underpins the ability to think on your feet and communicate effectively in unexpected situations.

So, practicing impromptu speaking skills is essential for becoming more confident and proficient in delivering off-the-cuff speeches .

Techniques for Delivering an Impromptu Speech

1. Use the PREP Method for structured speaking .

2. Apply the STAR Method to organize your thoughts effectively.

PREP Method (Point, Reason, Example, Point)

When delivering an impromptu speech , the PREP method can be extremely helpful. It helps me structure my thoughts and deliver a coherent speech even when put on the spot. Here’s how the method works:

• Point : Start by clearly stating the main point or message of your speech.
• Reason : Provide a reason or explanation that supports your main point, ensuring that it is logical and easy to understand.
• Example : Illustrate your point with an example or anecdote that reinforces your reason and engages the audience.
• Point : End by reiterating your main point, reinforcing its importance and leaving a lasting impression.

Using the PREP method allows me to quickly organize my thoughts and speak confidently in unexpected situations.

STAR Method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)

When delivering an impromptu speech, it’s essential to have a structured approach . The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) can be a helpful framework for organizing your thoughts and delivering a coherent speech :

• Situation : Begin by setting the stage and providing the context for your speech. Clearly outline the situation that you are addressing to provide a foundation for your audience.
• Task : Define the specific task or challenge that needs to be addressed within the given situation. This helps focus your speech on the key objective that needs to be accomplished.
• Action : Describe the actions taken or proposed solutions to address the task at hand. Discuss how you approached the situation and what steps were taken to overcome challenges.
• Result : Conclude by presenting the results of the actions taken, emphasizing any positive outcomes or lessons learned from the experience.

Organizing your impromptu speech using the STAR method can help you communicate effectively and ensure that your message is clear and coherent.

Moving forward, let’s delve into examples of impromptu speech patterns to enhance our understanding further.

Pros, Cons, Recommendation

When delivering an impromptu speech, it’s essential to be aware of the advantages, drawbacks, and suggestions to enhance your performance. Let’s explore the benefits, drawbacks, and recommendations for impromptu speaking:

• Provides opportunities to think on your feet and develop quick thinking skills .
• Allows for flexibility and adaptability in unexpected situations.
• Enhances public speaking confidence by honing spontaneous communication skills.
• Demonstrates versatility and competence in handling unforeseen speaking engagements.
• May lead to potential anxiety or nervousness due to lack of preparation time.
• Limited time for organizing thoughts can sometimes result in less structured delivery.
• The absence of thorough research may lead to limited depth of content .
• Recommendation :
• Embrace practice scenarios to build confidence and refine impromptu speaking skills.
• Prepare a mental framework for structuring speeches when faced with unanticipated topics.
• Seek constructive feedback from peers or mentors to improve impromptu speech abilities.

Enhancing impromptu speaking skills through consistent practice and preparedness can significantly elevate your overall public speaking proficiency. With this in mind, let’s delve into the impactful techniques for delivering an impromptu speech.

Reframing a Topic

When it comes to reframing a topic, it’s important to shift perspectives and adapt quickly . This technique allows for easier navigation through speech topics and enhances the delivery of impromptu speeches.

As I’ve experienced, taking familiar information and presenting it in a fresh way can engage the audience more effectively. For instance, applying current events or personal experiences can provide new angles to an impromptu speech topic .

Reframing a topic breathes new life into the content, making it more relatable and intriguing for both speakers and listeners alike. This adaptable approach has been instrumental in my growth as a public speaker, allowing me to confidently handle unforeseen speaking situations with ease”.

Examples of Impromptu Speech Patterns

Examples of Impromptu Speech Patterns include past, present, future; problem, solution; pros and cons, positives and negatives; cause, effect, remedy; local, national, international.

For more details on these patterns and techniques for delivering impromptu speeches, visit our blog!

Past, Present, Future

I used the past, shared a reality in the present, and captured what’s coming up soon. Here are more examples for your understanding:

• In the past, I struggled with public speaking , especially during my college years. But I joined Toastmasters International and started practicing impromptu speeches .
• Presently, I am confident in delivering impromptu speeches due to regular practice and learning different techniques .
• Looking forward, I aim to continue improving my impromptu speaking skills by exploring new topics and engaging with diverse audiences .

Overall, integrating the past, present, and future can help make your impromptu speech more engaging and relatable to your audience.

Remember to stay confident and keep practicing!

Problem, Solution

When presenting a problem-solution speech, make sure to clearly define the issue at hand and offer a feasible resolution. Here are some examples of how this can be achieved:

• Clearly State the Problem : Begin by articulating the specific issue or challenge that needs to be addressed. Use concrete examples or statistics to illustrate the significance of the problem.
• Propose a Viable Solution : After identifying the problem, propose a practical solution that addresses the root cause. Offer step-by-step actions that can be taken to implement the solution effectively.
• Support with Evidence : Back up your proposed solution with evidence or examples that demonstrate its effectiveness. This could include case studies, success stories, or expert opinions.
• Anticipate Counterarguments : Acknowledge potential counterarguments and address them proactively in your speech. This demonstrates thorough consideration of different perspectives.
• Engage the Audience : Encourage audience participation by posing questions related to the problem and inviting them to share their thoughts on potential solutions.
• Conclude with a Call to Action : End your speech by motivating your audience to take action towards implementing the proposed solution, emphasizing their role in making positive change happen.

Remember, public speaking is about being relatable and engaging – don’t be afraid to inject some personality into your delivery!

Pros and Cons, Positives and Negatives

When delivering an impromptu speech, examining both the pros and cons, along with the positives and negatives of a situation, can help in providing a balanced perspective. Here are some detailed explanations of each:

• Pros and Cons : Analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of a topic allows for a comprehensive evaluation, offering insights into different aspects while presenting a well-rounded view.
• Positives and Negatives : Highlighting the positive elements and potential drawbacks sheds light on the favorable aspects as well as areas that may require attention or improvement.
• Addressing both sides : Acknowledging both the positives and negatives demonstrates an understanding of various viewpoints, contributing to a more thorough discussion.
• Balanced approach : Weighing the pros against the cons and the positives against the negatives promotes fairness in assessing a subject, yielding a more informed perspective.
• Engagement with audience : Delving into both sides encourages audience involvement by prompting consideration of different angles, fostering active listening and thoughtful participation.

Understanding how to present both sides effectively ensures that one can engage listeners while delivering an impromptu speech confidently.

Cause, Effect, Remedy

When delivering an impromptu speech, using the cause, effect, and remedy structure helps in providing a clear understanding . Here’s how this structured speech outline works:

• Cause : Start by identifying the root cause of the issue or situation you are addressing. Clearly state what led to the problem or scenario at hand.
• Effect : Explain the consequences or impact that resulted from the cause. Elaborate on how the identified cause has influenced or affected different aspects.
• Remedy : Provide a solution or course of action to address the cause and minimize its effects. Offer practical steps to resolve or improve the situation based on your analysis.

Using these three elements offers a structured approach for impromptu speaking , ensuring your audience can follow your points clearly while building confidence in your speaking ability.

Local, National, International

When crafting an impromptu speech, it’s useful to consider various scopes like local, national, or international . These perspectives can help tailor the speech to different audiences and contexts.

• Local : Addressing topics related to your immediate community can resonate strongly with the audience. Examples include local events, issues, or initiatives that directly impact people in your area.
• National : Delve into broader topics that affect the entire country, such as political developments, social trends, or national holidays . This can foster a sense of shared understanding among the audience.
• International : Explore global issues and events that have far-reaching implications beyond national borders. Discussing international relations, cross-cultural dynamics, or global challenges can broaden the audience’s perspective.

Considering these diverse scopes allows for a well-rounded impromptu speech that connects with various audiences on different levels and scales.

Concluding this section leads us to explore effective tips for practicing impromptu speaking.

Tips for Practicing Impromptu Speaking

Practice with a variety of topics; use online resources, attend Toastmasters meetings, focus on speaking confidently and coherently, and remember to thank the audience. To learn more about improving your impromptu speaking skills, read the full blog post.

Practice with different topics

To improve impromptu speaking skills, I recommend practicing with various topics. This will help build confidence and versatility in handling different subjects on the spot. Personally, when I started my public speaking journey, I found that practicing diverse topics allowed me to adapt quickly and think on my feet during impromptu speeches.

It’s essential for beginners to explore a wide range of subjects as it expands their knowledge base and prepares them for unexpected speaking situations , ultimately enhancing their overall communication skills .

Moving forward, let’s delve into the techniques for delivering an impromptu speech.

Utilize online resources

When it comes to improving impromptu speaking skills, utilizing online resources is essential. I remember when I started my journey to becoming a confident speaker, online resources were invaluable.

There are numerous websites and videos offering tips on impromptu speaking, sample speeches , and interactive tools for practicing spontaneous speaking. These platforms provide tailored guidance towards mastering the art of impromptu speaking.

Additionally, online communities such as public speaking forums and social media groups offer opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals for peer support and feedback on impromptu speeches.

Attend a Toastmasters meeting

I attended a Toastmasters meeting at my local club. It was an excellent opportunity to practice impromptu speaking in a supportive environment . I received constructive feedback and learned from experienced speakers.

This helped me gain confidence and improve my public speaking skills.

Focus on speaking confidently and coherently

As a member of Toastmasters, I’ve learned that practicing impromptu speaking can significantly improve your confidence and coherence. One way to do this is by participating in impromptu speaking sessions during club meetings.

This will help you get comfortable thinking on your feet and articulating your thoughts clearly without prior planning. Additionally, you can also practice impromptu speaking with friends or family by discussing random topics and expressing your ideas confidently.

By doing so, you’ll become more comfortable with the unpredictability of impromptu speaking and develop the ability to speak coherently under pressure.

Moreover, when delivering an impromptu speech, it’s crucial to maintain eye contact with the audience and use gestures to emphasize key points. This not only enhances your confidence but also ensures that your message is communicated clearly and effectively.

Thank the audience.

– Focus on speaking confidently and coherently . Now, as we wrap up, I want to express my gratitude for your attention and engagement . Thank you for being a part of this learning journey !

As I wrap up this discussion, it’s clear that mastering impromptu speech is both an art and science. Dr. Elizabeth Moreno, a seasoned expert in public speaking and oral communication, brings decades of experience to the table.

With her PhD in Communication Studies from Harvard University and numerous published articles on effective speaking strategies, Dr. Moreno offers invaluable insights into impromptu speeches.

Dr. Moreno emphasizes the significance of techniques like the PREP method for structuring speeches on the fly. She points out that these methods aren’t just about talking smoothly; they’re tools for organizing thoughts rapidly and presenting them with impact.

Regarding safety and ethics in public speaking , Dr. Moreno advocates for transparency and authenticity . She underlines how being truthful not only conforms to ethical standards but also resonates more deeply with audiences.

Incorporating impromptu speech practices into daily life can seem daunting at first glance. Yet, Dr.Moreno encourages starting small—practice answering questions off-the-cuff or give mini-speeches during meetings as ways to build confidence.

While discussing pros and cons, she acknowledges no single approach fits all situations perfectly. Compared to prepared speeches, impromptu speaking trades depth for spontaneity but practicing this skill improves overall communication agility .

Ultimately, Dr.Moreno champions understanding impromptu speech patterns as crucial for anyone looking to enhance their verbal expressiveness .Just like learning any new skill,it takes patience,time,and practice,but the rewards are immense.Being able to articulate your thoughts clearly without preparation is not only impressive but essential in many aspects of life.Whether you’re addressing questions unexpectedly or needing to make quick remarks,a well-delivered impromptu speech can significantly influence your audience’s perception.With dedication and practice,I’ve seen firsthand how these techniques have transformed my own abilities,and I’m confident they can do the same for you.

Ryan Nelson is the founder of Speak2Impress, a platform dedicated to helping individuals master the art of public speaking. Despite having a crippling fear of public speaking for many years, Ryan overcame his anxiety through diligent practice and active participation in Toastmasters. Now residing in New York City, he is passionate about sharing his journey and techniques to empower others to speak with confidence and clarity.

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Short and Easy Impromptu Frameworks: The PREP Framework

• October 3, 2021
• boldspeaker
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A while back, I did a blog post called “5 Steps to Think Fast and Speak Easily”, in which I outlined some general tips for impromptu speaking. These tips are helpful for being comfortable speaking on your feet. However, as you get more and more practice with this kind of speaking, you may notice that once you start speaking, it can be hard to outline all of your points effectively in the time you have. You might unintentionally repeat yourself, or not make your reasoning clear in your response. That’s where frameworks come in!

A framework is the supporting structure of something, like the wood beams that hold a house up while it’s being built. Similarly, you can think of the PREP framework as the beams that hold up your overall message as you speak.

You can apply the PREP framework anywhere… in the classroom, in a Toastmaster club, or even when you’re trying to convince your parents to give you something! You can use this framework to make a convincing argument that can last up to a full minute or two.

The PREP framework goes like this: 

P oint – This is where you can answer a question or make a very clearly said opinion. For example, if you were asked “Do you like dogs or cats better?”, you can say “Dogs/Cats are better” to start off.

R eason – This is the part of your response where you explain why you believe your point. Make sure to separate your point and your reason in complete, clearly stated sentences. While you could say “I like dogs better because they’re fun” at the start of your speech, it’s easier to process what someone is saying in a short speech if they clearly define their point and reason. (Of course, it still works either way, so it’s your choice!) For example, you could instead say “(Point) Dogs are better than cats for many reasons. (Reason) Firstly, they are energetic pets, always up for a little fun.”

E xample – This is where you give a helpful example that shows why your reason applies to your point. This example could be a personal anecdote, a quote, or a statistic. (I would suggest an anecdote because personal stories usually help you connect with your audience the best.) Continuing the dog example, your example could be a story about your own dog, Fido, and how he’s always up for a game of fetch. You could even go into how you can depend on him to always make you feel better when you’re sad or bored.

P oint – Now that you’ve swayed the audience to your side, you can summarize what you’ve just said and connect it back to your original point. To finish up the dog example, you can say, “Dogs make better pets than cats because unlike cats, they are playful, loyal, and sweet.”

There are a few other variations of the PREP framework, and these can help you in other occasions where you must speak impromptu. Here’s a couple  of the ones that I like the best:

PREREREP Framework: 

In the instance you do have a little more time to fill with your impromptu framework, you can outline more reasons and examples. Even if you don’t have a lot of time, you can make your points more succinctly and outline more points in total to show just how much support you have for your point of view. In the previously shown Dogs vs. Cats example, you could repeat the Reason and Example sections two more times to make a case for why dogs are loyal and sweet (which I mentioned in my final summarizing point). 

APREP Framework:

As you might have guessed, the “P-R-E-P” part of APREP remains the same: “Point, Reason, Example, Point”. In this variation, the “A” stands for “Acknowledgement”. Before you launch into your own explanation of why you’re right, you can acknowledge why the other person believes what they do, and how it is reasonable. This framework is very helpful in debates where you want to seem respectful and reasonable while effectively making your own point. While it isn’t guaranteed to make you win a debate, or prove the other person wrong, it can help you get your point across during a point of disagreement. Instead of basically implying “you’re wrong and I’m right”, you can start off your argument by using phrases like the following examples:

• “I can see why you’d say that because ___, but___…”
• “That is true in many cases, but I’d like to point out ___…”
• “Thanks for explaining your point of view! From where I stand, it does seem like ___…”

In conclusion, frameworks like PREP are really helpful to quickly structure your response in any impromptu speaking situation and if practiced often and used well, it can be a very effective tool in your ability to communicate in a compelling fashion at school, home or elsewhere. 

In the future, we will continue examining frameworks and look at another useful framework similar to PREP. Until then, take care. 

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Impromptu speech outline: 7 formats

How to prepare for an impromptu speech.

By:  Susan Dugdale  

Using a speech outline to prepare an impromptu speech seems counterintuitive, doesn't it? After all, impromptu means of the moment, spontaneous, without preparation. So, what is an impromptu speech outline?

Quite simply it’s the structure, or format of your speech. It’s how you order your material from the time you open your mouth at the beginning of your speech, until you close it at the end.

An outline doesn’t need to be a written document or put on note cards to be effective. An experienced impromptu speaker will have an assortment of structural patterns memorized. When they’re asked to speak, they’ll mentally flick through them and choose the most appropriate.

Following an outline lessens the possibility of rambling aimlessly off topic. And, given my flibberty gibbet tendencies it's vital! Maybe yours too?☺

What's on this page

Seven structural patterns , each with example impromptu speech outlines and a printable blank outline template to download.

How to use these structural patterns : guidelines for practice

About the printable impromptu speech outlines

How to reframe a topic : examples of openings showing how to adapt a topic.

The patterns are: 

• Point, Reason, Example, Point (PREP)

Past, Present, Future

Problem, solution.

• Pros/Cons, Positives/Negatives, For/Against, Advantages/Disadvantages

Cause, Effect, Remedy

• Before/The Event/The Result

Local, National, International

 How to use these structural patterns

To become a competent impromptu speaker you need to get familiar with them. So initially just play with them for practice either with a friend or by yourself.

• Get a subject to talk about. (Click for 150 impromptu speaking topics ).
• Choose yourself a pattern to form the body of speech.
• Now go. Open your mouth and speak.

You’ll need an introduction followed by your material organized according to whatever pattern you’ve selected, and then a conclusion.

Keep it simple. You don’t need to try hard to say devastatingly intelligent insightful things. The starting goal is to get used to thinking, then speaking, without a great deal of prior preparation.

This is impromptu speaking, ‘off the cuff’, largely spontaneous. Be honest and where you can, add personal stories. Your own experiences, plus your knowledge of the subject, will establish rapport and credibility. Don’t be afraid to experiment, or 'fail', as that's how you'll learn.

If your content at this stage is trite nonsense and you putter out of ideas too soon, so be it. At the beginning it’s more important to learn to let go of feeling anxious, inadequate and the need for perfection. 

Once you’re used to a pattern, and can follow it easily without having to stop and think about which part comes next, you’ll naturally come up with better material.

Along with examples of each impromptu speech outline structure there's a link to a blank printable. There are seven of them: one for each pattern. They are there for you to use as a guide. You'll find the links for them below the example outlines. 

Each outline has the same four step format.

The first step is mentally preparing yourself: sorting out your topic, considering your audience and working out what tone best fits with them, as well as your speech purpose. 

The second step covers preparing the introduction, the third, the body, and the fourth and final step, the conclusion.

Your chosen structural pattern is the body  

The third step, the body of your speech, holds the specific pattern you’re working with. It’s this step, the body, you’ll want to focus on first when you’re practicing. After you’ve set your topic allow yourself a few minutes to think it through (or make notes) using the pattern headings as a guide.

Once you feel comfortable with the body, you’ll find the openings and conclusions become much easier.

Getting the time and content balance right

The overall length of your speech or the time you take to deliver it is, to a large part, determined by how much information you put into the body. Obviously one or two main points and their supporting material will take less time than three or four.

( Practice will help you confidently and reliably get the balance of time to content right. Click the link for  examples of one minute speeches  prepared using the Point-Reason-Example-Point (PREP) pattern. They'll give you an idea of what's required.)

Practice, practice, and then do it some more

You don’t need to follow each of the four steps of the outline slavishly. However, to use that old cliché, before you can run, you need to know how to walk. So before giving yourself permission to try to improvise and dazzle publicly, ground yourself in structure. Give yourself a solid baseline to work from.

There’s no secret behind becoming more confident and competent reasonably quickly. It’s practice. Lots of it.

Time and record yourself. Play it back and listen carefully.

Is there a good opening? Have you followed the pattern you chose in the body of the speech? Is it clear? Have you got clean transitions between each part of your speech and the one following it? Is there a strong ending? And are the words you’ve chosen, as well as the way you use them, right for your subject, the purpose of the speech and your intended audience?

And lastly, learn one pattern well before you work with another.

Effective impromptu speech activities 

If you teach a public speaking or communication class or lead a public speaking group, here's  a comprehensive bundle of   17 proven fun and effective impromptu speech activities , complete with full guidelines and printables. They ease, rather than jettison, students into impromptu speaking one step at a time.  

How to reframe a topic

Sometimes when you're asked to speak on a topic you'll find yourself needing to modify it before going ahead.

Or maybe you want confirmation that you've understood what you're being asked to speak about.

Here are examples of three ways to reframe the topic as part of your opening. They are particularly useful for Question and Answer sessions.

Add them to your practice too.

1. Give the topic a scope. This establishes what you're prepared to cover.  

For example: Thanks. That’s a great question. I am happy to share what has happened since I joined the organization in 2020.

Or:  Thanks, that’s a great, and very big question. I don’t have time right now to cover all aspects of it. So here’s the first part. If anybody would like me to follow up with the second and third, please see me later and we’ll make a time.

2. Summarize and ask for confirmation. Use this technique to  make sure you’ve understood what’s being asked of you before you answer. 

Example:  Thank you for your question. It's an important one and I want to make sure I’ve understood it correctly before answering. You want to know why we’re not mobilizing the Defense Force to clear protesters from the streets, is that right?

3. Redirecting, reshaping the question or angle, before responding . This can be useful when you want to give a bigger picture, or establish context - something the original question didn't allow for.

Example: You’ve asked about using the Defense Force to clear the streets. Let’s consider the precedents for that: the 1951 Waterfront Dispute, Bastion Point, 1978, and the anti-Springbok rugby tour protest in 1981. What have they taught us?

7 impromptu speech outline patterns

Please note, these examples are not complete speech outlines. In most instances they don't include the opening or the conclusion. What they do is illustrate seven ways to organize material in the body of the speech. And some of the examples are more fleshed out than others.

 PREP: Point, Reason, Example, Point

PREP is an acronym for: Point, Reason, Example, Point. The pattern adapts well to most situations.

Here are two PREP impromptu speech outline examples: one for a social setting and one for business or workplace audiences. You can also see it in action on this page of one minute speech topics where I've used it in three sample one minute speech outlines.

PREP impromptu speech outline: workplace 

Topic: Cameras off during a virtual team meeting

Point: Human Resources are reporting numerous requests from employees to be allowed to leave their cameras off during routine virtual (zoom) meetings.

Reason: The reason most frequently given is fatigue due to  strain 

Examples: It is hard to:

• maintain focus while looking at a grid of faces for the length of an entire meeting,
• see yourself on camera and NOT respond to it,
• be physically constrained in a small space in order to remain on camera,
• arrange life so it doesn’t intrude in the form of kittens, babies or anything else while on camera,
• have your colleagues in your home without having issued the invitation yourself.

Point: And that’s why we’ve asked Human Resources to develop a set of guidelines to cover when cameras should be on, and when they can be turned off. If you have any suggestions or points you’d like them to consider, please get them by Friday.

For more: 

• Bailenson, J. N. (2021). Nonverbal Overload: A Theoretical Argument for the Causes of Zoom Fatigue . Technology, Mind, and Behavior, 2(1). 
• Should We Require Students to Turn Their Cameras On in the Zoom Classroom?   Anna Lännström, Stonehill College. Published by Wabash Center, 2020  

PREP impromptu speech outline example: social

A toast to acknowledge friend’s engagement

Point: It’s a joy to join you celebrating Ryan and Mary’s engagement.

Reason(s): There’s dozens of reasons for my being pleased to be here. We haven’t got time for them all. So here’s three. The first goes back a long way to when we were ten years old. I’m never going going to get married, he said. Thanks to Mary, look at you now! I am delighted you have to eat those words. The second reason is quite selfish. At least the field is cleared now because he’s well and truly spoken for. Hi ya singletons out there! And the third and most important is because I’ve never seen Ryan quite so deliriously crazy happy, ever, in all the years I’ve known him.

Example(s): This is the man who has spent all his weekends for last year renovating the house they share. You know it’s got to be the real thing when unclogging drains, getting rid of rat nests and replacing rotten window frames is better than time out with me and the boys. When you add making significant positive changes to his eating and drinking habits, throw in running a kilometer or two or three or more, several times a week, it’s proof. You’ve got be happy to do any of that!

Point: Which in turn, makes me happy too. Here's to Ryan and Mary!

Download PREP impromptu speech outline

Click the link to download a printable pdf file to use: PREP impromptu speech outline

Use this pattern if you want apply a time line treatment to a subject.

Topic: In your experience what's an effective way of getting children to eat vegetables?

In the past:

When I was a child not eating whatever was served was not an option. It didn’t matter if it was something dreaded like cauliflower, broccoli or spinach. It was on the plate. Therefore it needed to be chewed and swallowed. If it wasn’t you were in for a long sit at the table. Because both you and the plate of food remained in place until the plate was cleared. This as a technique was a failure. It built resentment rather than a love of vegetables.

That kind of stand off would not happen nowadays. I have more tolerance than my parents for children whose taste buds do not thrill to strong tasting vegetables. The only thing I ask of my kids, is that they try a little of each new one when it is served. If they don’t like it, they can put it to one side. Alongside that, we use vegetables as snacks, sneak them into purees and sauces, get the kids involved in choosing and cooking them, and set an example by eating copious quantities of them ourselves.

Our diets are changing. They are becoming increasingly plant based. Vegetables are no longer an accompaniment, an after-thought. Instead they’re center plate – up front and proud. 

Perhaps the infamous battle over vegetables will disappear entirely. It’s my hope that through showing greater tolerance of our children’s preferences and by being more creative with how we introduce them into their diets, that the issue will simply cease to be one.

Vive la broccoli!  

Topic: What are the most popular and enduring toys for children?

Past : Toys that sold well: Teddy bears, named after Theodore Roosevelt 1902, yo-yos – 1928, Silly Putty, 1955, GI Joe – dolls for boys, 1960s, including two that have kept right on selling;

Present: Lego from Denmark, 1932, and Barbie from USA, 1959

Future : More Lego, more Barbies who are more diverse, more skin types and shapes. Both seem set for along time yet.

Download Past, Present, Future outline

Click the link to download a printable pdf file to use:  Past, Present, Future impromptu speech outline

This is a simple two part pattern: here’s the problem. Now here’s the solution.

Example: The problem is congestion on our main city roads during peak hours.

The solution is to:

• reroute heavy vehicles over those hours
• look carefully at the current design of the roundabouts, on and off ramps and laybys and update them if necessary 
• adjust the speed limit

Example: The problem is maintaining a work routine while working from home

• make yourself a dedicated work space.
• set yourself regular hours for getting up, having breakfast, being at your desk, lunch etc.
• establish clear boundaries around your work time for family and friends. Being in the same room or the next one, doesn’t mean you’re available.
• prioritize your tasks for the day each morning.

Download Problem, Solution outline

Click the link to download a printable pdf file to use: Problem, Solution impromptu speech outline

Pros and Cons, Positives and Negatives

This is a useful beginning point toward answering the classic ‘what shall I do?’ dilemmas.

Setting out the pros and cons * of a situation gives us an overview, which we can then use to help make a rational, considered decision.

* 16th century: from Latin  prō  for + con, from  contrā  against

Dilemma:  Whether or not to go to university

• New experiences, new people, broadens outlook
• Builds networking opportunities, long term friendships, & professional relationships
• After graduation enter workforce at different level – a leg up because core competencies already established
• Scholarships available
• Leadership and extension activities/clubs available
• High levels of personal debt
• Difficult to sustain oneself mentally, physically and financially without support
• Doesn’t guarantee a job on graduation
• Doesn’t train you for a specific vocation
• Doesn’t automatically mean entry into higher paying job

Dilemma:  Whether or not to buy cheap or fast fashion

• Affordable – instantly gratifying
• Up to the minute clothing – democratization of fashion – not just for elite rich
• Can follow the trend – included rather than excluded on price
• Can change mind and buy more if don’t like what you have – not going to cause you hardship
• Profitable for retailers and manufacturers
• pollution: people throw out their clothes which then enter land fills
• waste: breeds throwaway mentality – chuck rather than mend
• loss of skills: how to mend clothing: sew on buttons, fix a fallen hem, patch a rip etc.
• exploitation of woman and children in 3rd world countries: low wages, and unsafe workplaces

For more: Fast Fashion by Adam Hayes, April 2021, investopedia.com

Download Pros and Cons outline

Click the link to download a printable pdf file to use:  Pros and Cons impromptu speech outline

 This is a three-part problem solving pattern.

• What is the cause of something?
• What is its effect?
• And what is the remedy?

Topic: Public speaking anxiety

Cause(s) of public speaking anxiety:

• feeling self conscious in front of others
• fearing repeat of past poor experiences
• fear of being judged
• fearing not being as good as you’d like to be, or as good as others
• breathing poorly which doesn’t support the voice
• becoming overwhelmed by symptoms of fear: shaking limbs, quivering voice, racing heart beat, forgetting what had been practiced
• gabbling through speech at break neck speed
• becomes a cycle which intensifies each time a person has to speak in public
• limits personal potential in many ways: at work and socially
• take a public speaking course, join a public speaking club
• practice a great deal,  get good support and practical feedback you can use
• and take every opportunity to speak in front of others as it will lessen the fear.

Topic: Procrastination

Cause(s) of procrastination:

• boredom: not being interested in the task that needs completing
• fear of failure: thinking the task will prove too difficult - would rather not begin it, than risk failure, perfectionism
• unable to prioritize what needs to be done against what isn’t so urgent
• overwhelmed: too many things to do, and too little energy

Effect(s) of procrastination:

• pressure: rushing to catch up on what should have been done which leads to poor decision making
• failure: letting oneself, friends, family and workmates down, compromised work standards, reputation
• losing time, opportunities, limiting your career options
• escalating low self-esteem issues and health risks
• Create incremental to-do lists – a bit at a time rather than one huge overwhelming piece of work.
• Create a stimulating work-place for yourself – surround yourself with what you genuinely like to see.
• Time-line your work realistically - what needs to happen. today, tomorrow and the next day to arrive at the due date with the work completed to your satisfaction.
• Get rid of the temptations you know you are distracted by. Put your phone on mute. Remove bookmarked sites.
• Find a mentor, someone you admire and who will hold you to account.

Download Cause, Effect, Remedy outline

Click the link to download a printable pdf file to use: Cause, Effect, Remedy impromptu speech outline

Before, The Event, The Result

This three-part pattern is a time line centered around an event. The result of event (eg. a natural disaster or a personal or societal change, large or small) profoundly changes what came before it. Sometimes the end result is much better, and sometimes far worse.

It’s a pattern much loved by advertisers who imply that the event (the purchase and use of whatever product or service they are selling) will result in whatever is desired: health, wealth, beauty, popularity, longevity, peace, love, intelligence... It's the classic Before and After format.    

Topic: Covid-19 - its impact on the tourism industry in NZ

Total annual tourism expenditure had increased by almost $15 billion, or 55%, in the seven years prior to 2020. 

• Tourism was New Zealand’s biggest export industry, contributing 20.1% of total exports. 
• Tourism generated a direct annual contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $16.4 billion, or 5.5%, and a further indirect contribution of $11.3 billion, another 3.8% of New Zealand’s total GDP.  

Then along came Covid–19.  The borders were closed in an effort to keep it out for as long as possible. Good for the population: fewer deaths and hospitalizations compared to other first world countries: USA, UK, Australia but not so good for tourism.

The result:  

• total tourism expenditure was $26.1 billion, a decrease of 37.3 percent ($15.6 billion) from the previous year.
• international tourism’s overall contribution to New Zealand’s total exports of goods and services fell to 2.1 percent from 20.0 percent
• tourism generated a direct contribution to GDP of $8.5 billion, or 2.9 percent, a decrease of 47.5 percent ($7.7 billion), or 2.6 percentage points

Reference:  https://www.tia.org.nz/about-the-industry/quick-facts-and-figures/

Here’s a feel-good-hard-work-pays-off story using the format, the sort you might hear on your local TV or radio station.

Topic: the house makeover

Before the makeover:

• dark and dingy – very few windows, dated décor
• very poor heat retention – no insulation
• no outdoor – indoor flow
• small poky kitchen with limited storage
• one bathroom – not adjacent to either living areas or bedrooms

The Event:   the makeover of the worst house in the best street,  a perfect project for husband (builder) and wife (interior decorator), 12 month time line, carefully planned

The Result:

• jump in value of property
• a house which is a pleasure to live in, fabulous garden, everybody is happy, reporters come calling for house and garden magazine before and after spreads☺
• an inspirational example of talent plus effort

Download Before, The Event, The Result outline

Click the link to download a printable pdf file to use:  Before, The Event, The Result impromptu speech outline

This structure is excellent for comparisons and overviews spanning spatial areas.

Topic: Deaths from Covid-19 in New Zealand as at 22nd February 2022

Local: none

National: 56

International:  5,905,942

Reference: Google News - Covid 19 map - New Zealand  

Topic: Who follows the news?  A survey of 38 countries, 2018

Local news :  Global median = 78%. 78% of respondents are  more likely to follow the news if in own area and own country. 

National news : Global median = 86%. 86% of respondents are more likely to follow if the news is about own country.

International news : Global median = 57%. Comparatively significantly less of the respondents are likely to follow the news. That changes with the amount of education a person has. If they have more education, they are more likely to follow the news.

Reference:  Publics around the world follow national and local news more closely than international : Pew Research Center report, 2018

Download Local, National, International outline

Click the link to download a printable pdf file to use:  Local, National, International impromptu speech outline

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10.2 Using Common Organizing Patterns

Learning objectives.

• Differentiate among the common speech organizational patterns: categorical/topical, comparison/contrast, spatial, chronological, biographical, causal, problem-cause-solution, and psychological.
• Understand how to choose the best organizational pattern, or combination of patterns, for a specific speech.

Twentyfour Students – Organization makes you flow – CC BY-SA 2.0.

Previously in this chapter we discussed how to make your main points flow logically. This section is going to provide you with a number of organization patterns to help you create a logically organized speech. The first organization pattern we’ll discuss is categorical/topical.

Categorical/Topical

By far the most common pattern for organizing a speech is by categories or topics. The categories function as a way to help the speaker organize the message in a consistent fashion. The goal of a categorical/topical speech pattern is to create categories (or chunks) of information that go together to help support your original specific purpose. Let’s look at an example.

In this case, we have a speaker trying to persuade a group of high school juniors to apply to attend Generic University. To persuade this group, the speaker has divided the information into three basic categories: what it’s like to live in the dorms, what classes are like, and what life is like on campus. Almost anyone could take this basic speech and specifically tailor the speech to fit her or his own university or college. The main points in this example could be rearranged and the organizational pattern would still be effective because there is no inherent logic to the sequence of points. Let’s look at a second example.

In this speech, the speaker is talking about how to find others online and date them. Specifically, the speaker starts by explaining what Internet dating is; then the speaker talks about how to make Internet dating better for her or his audience members; and finally, the speaker ends by discussing some negative aspects of Internet dating. Again, notice that the information is chunked into three categories or topics and that the second and third could be reversed and still provide a logical structure for your speech

Comparison/Contrast

Another method for organizing main points is the comparison/contrast speech pattern . While this pattern clearly lends itself easily to two main points, you can also create a third point by giving basic information about what is being compared and what is being contrasted. Let’s look at two examples; the first one will be a two-point example and the second a three-point example.

If you were using the comparison/contrast pattern for persuasive purposes, in the preceding examples, you’d want to make sure that when you show how Drug X and Drug Y differ, you clearly state why Drug X is clearly the better choice for physicians to adopt. In essence, you’d want to make sure that when you compare the two drugs, you show that Drug X has all the benefits of Drug Y, but when you contrast the two drugs, you show how Drug X is superior to Drug Y in some way.

The spatial speech pattern organizes information according to how things fit together in physical space. This pattern is best used when your main points are oriented to different locations that can exist independently. The basic reason to choose this format is to show that the main points have clear locations. We’ll look at two examples here, one involving physical geography and one involving a different spatial order.

If you look at a basic map of the United States, you’ll notice that these groupings of states were created because of their geographic location to one another. In essence, the states create three spatial territories to explain.

Now let’s look at a spatial speech unrelated to geography.

In this example, we still have three basic spatial areas. If you look at a model of the urinary system, the first step is the kidney, which then takes waste through the ureters to the bladder, which then relies on the sphincter muscle to excrete waste through the urethra. All we’ve done in this example is create a spatial speech order for discussing how waste is removed from the human body through the urinary system. It is spatial because the organization pattern is determined by the physical location of each body part in relation to the others discussed.

Chronological

The chronological speech pattern places the main idea in the time order in which items appear—whether backward or forward. Here’s a simple example.

In this example, we’re looking at the writings of Winston Churchill in relation to World War II (before, during, and after). By placing his writings into these three categories, we develop a system for understanding this material based on Churchill’s own life. Note that you could also use reverse chronological order and start with Churchill’s writings after World War II, progressing backward to his earliest writings.

Biographical

As you might guess, the biographical speech pattern is generally used when a speaker wants to describe a person’s life—either a speaker’s own life, the life of someone they know personally, or the life of a famous person. By the nature of this speech organizational pattern, these speeches tend to be informative or entertaining; they are usually not persuasive. Let’s look at an example.

In this example, we see how Brian Warner, through three major periods of his life, ultimately became the musician known as Marilyn Manson.

In this example, these three stages are presented in chronological order, but the biographical pattern does not have to be chronological. For example, it could compare and contrast different periods of the subject’s life, or it could focus topically on the subject’s different accomplishments.

The causal speech pattern is used to explain cause-and-effect relationships. When you use a causal speech pattern, your speech will have two basic main points: cause and effect. In the first main point, typically you will talk about the causes of a phenomenon, and in the second main point you will then show how the causes lead to either a specific effect or a small set of effects. Let’s look at an example.

In this case, the first main point is about the history and prevalence of drinking alcohol among Native Americans (the cause). The second point then examines the effects of Native American alcohol consumption and how it differs from other population groups.

However, a causal organizational pattern can also begin with an effect and then explore one or more causes. In the following example, the effect is the number of arrests for domestic violence.

In this example, the possible causes for the difference might include stricter law enforcement, greater likelihood of neighbors reporting an incident, and police training that emphasizes arrests as opposed to other outcomes. Examining these possible causes may suggest that despite the arrest statistic, the actual number of domestic violence incidents in your city may not be greater than in other cities of similar size.

Problem-Cause-Solution

Another format for organizing distinct main points in a clear manner is the problem-cause-solution speech pattern . In this format you describe a problem, identify what you believe is causing the problem, and then recommend a solution to correct the problem.

In this speech, the speaker wants to persuade people to pass a new curfew for people under eighteen. To help persuade the civic group members, the speaker first shows that vandalism and violence are problems in the community. Once the speaker has shown the problem, the speaker then explains to the audience that the cause of this problem is youth outside after 10:00 p.m. Lastly, the speaker provides the mandatory 10:00 p.m. curfew as a solution to the vandalism and violence problem within the community. The problem-cause-solution format for speeches generally lends itself to persuasive topics because the speaker is asking an audience to believe in and adopt a specific solution.

Psychological

A further way to organize your main ideas within a speech is through a psychological speech pattern in which “a” leads to “b” and “b” leads to “c.” This speech format is designed to follow a logical argument, so this format lends itself to persuasive speeches very easily. Let’s look at an example.

In this speech, the speaker starts by discussing how humor affects the body. If a patient is exposed to humor (a), then the patient’s body actually physiologically responds in ways that help healing (b—e.g., reduces stress, decreases blood pressure, bolsters one’s immune system, etc.). Because of these benefits, nurses should engage in humor use that helps with healing (c).

Selecting an Organizational Pattern

Each of the preceding organizational patterns is potentially useful for organizing the main points of your speech. However, not all organizational patterns work for all speeches. For example, as we mentioned earlier, the biographical pattern is useful when you are telling the story of someone’s life. Some other patterns, particularly comparison/contrast, problem-cause-solution, and psychological, are well suited for persuasive speaking. Your challenge is to choose the best pattern for the particular speech you are giving.

You will want to be aware that it is also possible to combine two or more organizational patterns to meet the goals of a specific speech. For example, you might wish to discuss a problem and then compare/contrast several different possible solutions for the audience. Such a speech would thus be combining elements of the comparison/contrast and problem-cause-solution patterns. When considering which organizational pattern to use, you need to keep in mind your specific purpose as well as your audience and the actual speech material itself to decide which pattern you think will work best.

Key Takeaway

• Speakers can use a variety of different organizational patterns, including categorical/topical, comparison/contrast, spatial, chronological, biographical, causal, problem-cause-solution, and psychological. Ultimately, speakers must really think about which organizational pattern best suits a specific speech topic.
• Imagine that you are giving an informative speech about your favorite book. Which organizational pattern do you think would be most useful? Why? Would your answer be different if your speech goal were persuasive? Why or why not?
• Working on your own or with a partner, develop three main points for a speech designed to persuade college students to attend your university. Work through the preceding organizational patterns and see which ones would be possible choices for your speech. Which organizational pattern seems to be the best choice? Why?
• Use one of the common organizational patterns to create three main points for your next speech.

Stand up, Speak out Copyright © 2016 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Speech Patterns: Uptalking

Glossary of Grammatical and Rhetorical Terms

• An Introduction to Punctuation
• Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
• M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
• B.A., English, State University of New York

Uptalk is a  speech pattern in which phrases and sentences habitually end with a rising sound, as if the statement were a question . Also known as upspeak, high-rising terminal (HRT), high-rising tone, valley girl speech, Valspeak, talking in questions, rising intonation, upward inflection, interrogatory statement, and Australian Question Intonation (AQI).

The term uptalk was introduced by journalist James Gorman in an "On Language" column in The New York Times, August 15, 1993. However, the speech pattern itself was first recognized in Australia and the U.S. at least two decades earlier.

Examples and Observations

"'I've got the next run at that software thing. I thought you might like to have a look?' "Mark here was using upspeak, ending on an upward inclination, making what he said nearly a question but not quite." (John Lanchester, Capital . W.W. Norton, 2012)

"HRT stands for high-rise terminals. What did you think I meant? It's the technical term for 'uptalk' --the way kids speak so that every sentence ends with an interrogative tone so that it sounds like a question even when it's a statement? Like that, in fact. . . . "While we were on holiday in the US this summer, my kids spent two weeks at that great American childhood institution: camp. "'So what did you do today?' I'd ask my daughter at collection time. "'Well, we went canoeing on the lake? Which was, like, really really fun? And then we had storytelling in the barn? And we all had to tell a story about, like, where we're from or our family or something?' "Yep, she was uptalking." (Matt Seaton, The Guardian , Sep. 21, 2001)

Interpreting Uptalk (Politeness Strategies)

"[Penelope] Eckert and [Sally] McConnell-Ginet [in Language and Gender , 2003] discuss the use of questioning intonation on statements, often termed uptalk or upspeak. They suggest that the high-rise terminal, which characterises 'Valley Girl" speech, the speech style of young women primarily in California, is often analysed as a signal that those who use it do not know what they are talking about, since statements are transformed by this intonational pattern into what sound like questions. Rather than accepting this negative view of uptalk, Eckert and McConnell-Ginet suggest that questioning intonation may simply signal that the person is not giving the final word on the matter, that they are open to the topic continuing, or even that they are not yet ready to cede their turn." (Sara Mills and Louise Mullany, Language, Gender and Feminism: Theory, Methodology and Practice . Routledge, 2011)

Purposes of Uptalk

"Some speakers--especially women--deploy seemingly random question marks to hold the floor and fend off interruptions. Powerful people of both genders use it to coerce their underlings and build consensus. Penelope Eckert, a linguist at Stanford University, says one of her students observed Jamba Juice (JMBA) customers and found that fathers of undergraduates scored as the biggest uptalkers. 'They were being polite and trying to mitigate their male authoritativeness,' she says." (Caroline Winter, "Is It Useful to Sound Like an Idiot?" Bloomberg Businessweek , April 24-May 4, 2014) "One theory as to why simple declarative statements sound like questions is that in many cases, they actually are. English is a notoriously woolly language, full of ways to say one thing and mean another. The use of uptalk could be a way to subconsciously hint that a simple statement such as 'I think we should choose the left hand turn?' has a hidden meaning. Implicit within the sentence is a question: 'Do you also think we should choose the left hand turn?'" ("The Unstoppable March of the Upward Inflection?" BBC News , August 10, 2014)

Uptalk in Australian English

"Perhaps the most recognizable intonational feature in an accent is the occurrence of high-rising terminals (HRTs) associated with Australian English. Put simply, a high-rising terminal means that there is a noticeable high rise in pitch at the end (terminal) of an utterance . Such an intonation is typical of interrogative syntax (questions) in many English accents, but in Australian, these HRTs also occur in declarative sentences (statements). This is why Australians (and others who have taken up this way of talking) can sound (at least to non-HRT speakers) like they are either always asking questions or are in constant need of confirmation . . .."(Aileen Bloomer, Patrick Griffiths, and Andrew John Merrison, Introducing Language in Use . Routledge, 2005)

Uptalk Among Young People

"Negative attitudes to uptalk are not new. In 1975, the linguist Robin Lakoff drew attention to the pattern in her book Language and Women's Place , which argued that women were socialized to talk in ways that lacked power, authority, and confidence. Rising intonation on declarative sentences was one of the features Lakoff included in her description of 'women's language,' a gendered speech style which in her view both reflected and reproduced its users' subordinate social status. More than two decades later, the rising intonation pattern can be observed among younger speakers of both sexes . . .. "The US uptalk pattern differentiates younger from older speakers. In the British case it is debated whether the increasing use of rising intonation on declaratives is an innovation modeled on recent/current usage in the US or whether the model is Australian English, where the feature was well established even earlier." (Deborah Cameron, Working With Spoken Discourse . Sage, 2001)

• Question Mark Definition and Examples
• The Top 20 Figures of Speech
• What Is a Rhetorical Device? Definition, List, Examples
• The 6 Cases in Russian Grammar
• Intonation Contour in English Speech
• An Introduction to Declarative Questions
• What is a Question?
• Intonation Definition and Examples in Speech
• Intonation Phrases in Phonetics
• Definition and Examples of Major and Minor Moods in English Grammar
• 9 Very Important Russian Grammar Rules
• Understanding English Pronunciation Concepts
• Direct Question in Grammar
• Gender (Sociolinguistics)
• Social Dialect or Sociolect Definition and Examples
• Phonetic Prosody

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Home » SEL Implementation » Exploring the Meaning Behind Everyday Speech Patterns

Exploring the Meaning Behind Everyday Speech Patterns

Key takeaways:.

• Understanding everyday speech patterns is crucial for effective communication and social-emotional learning.
• Speech patterns reflect emotions, thoughts, and beliefs, shaping how we express ourselves.
• Everyday speech patterns encompass tone of voice, volume, speed, pauses, word choice, metaphors, idioms, and cultural influences.

Introduction: Exploring the Meaning Behind Everyday Speech Patterns

Welcome to my blog! In today’s post, we will delve into the fascinating world of everyday speech patterns and uncover the hidden meanings behind them. Understanding these patterns is crucial for effective communication and social-emotional learning. So let’s dive in!

I. Introduction

A. Importance of understanding everyday speech patterns

Everyday speech patterns play a vital role in our daily interactions. They provide insights into our emotions, thoughts, and beliefs. By understanding these patterns, we can navigate social situations more effectively and build stronger connections with others.

B. How speech patterns reflect our emotions and thoughts

Our speech patterns are not just a string of words; they are a reflection of our inner world. The way we speak, the tone we use, and the words we choose all convey our emotions and thoughts. By paying attention to these patterns, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and others.

C. Overview of the blog post

In this blog post, we will explore what everyday speech patterns are, decipher their meanings, and understand their impact on social interactions. We will also discuss strategies for developing self-awareness of our own speech patterns and enhancing social-emotional learning through effective communication.

II. What are everyday speech patterns?

A. Definition and explanation

Everyday speech patterns refer to the way we speak in our daily lives. They encompass various aspects such as tone of voice, volume, speed of speech, use of pauses, hesitations, word choice, vocabulary, metaphors, idioms, and cultural influences. These patterns are deeply ingrained in our communication style and shape how we express ourselves.

B. Examples of common speech patterns

Common speech patterns include using phrases like “you know,” “um,” or “like” as fillers, speaking in a fast-paced manner when excited, or using specific idioms and metaphors to convey meaning. These patterns can vary across cultures and regions, adding richness and diversity to our conversations.

C. How speech patterns differ across cultures and regions

Speech patterns are influenced by cultural norms, regional dialects, and individual experiences. For example, in some cultures, direct communication is valued, while in others, indirect communication is preferred. Understanding these differences is essential for effective cross-cultural communication and building cultural competence.

III. The meaning behind speech patterns

A. How speech patterns convey emotions

1. Tone of voice and intonation

Our tone of voice and intonation can convey a wide range of emotions, such as anger, excitement, sadness, or sarcasm. For example, a high-pitched and fast-paced tone may indicate enthusiasm, while a monotone voice may suggest boredom or disinterest.

2. Volume and speed of speech

The volume and speed at which we speak can also reveal our emotional state. Speaking loudly and quickly may indicate excitement or urgency, while speaking softly and slowly may indicate calmness or sadness.

3. Use of pauses and hesitations

The use of pauses and hesitations can add depth and meaning to our speech. Pausing before a significant point can create suspense, while hesitations can indicate uncertainty or the need to gather one’s thoughts.

B. How speech patterns reflect thoughts and beliefs

1. Word choice and vocabulary

The words we choose and the vocabulary we use reflect our thoughts, beliefs, and level of education. For example, someone who frequently uses technical jargon may be knowledgeable in a specific field, while someone who uses simple language may prioritize clarity and accessibility.

2. Use of metaphors and idioms

Metaphors and idioms are powerful tools for conveying meaning and cultural understanding. They can add depth and richness to our speech, but they can also be misinterpreted if not understood within the appropriate cultural context.

3. Cultural and social influences on speech patterns

Our speech patterns are influenced by the culture and society we grow up in. They shape our communication style, values, and beliefs. Being aware of these influences can help us navigate intercultural communication and foster understanding and respect.

IV. Understanding the impact of speech patterns on social interactions

A. Importance of effective communication

Effective communication is the foundation of healthy relationships and successful interactions. By understanding the impact of speech patterns, we can enhance our communication skills and build stronger connections with others.

B. How speech patterns can enhance or hinder social connections

Speech patterns can either enhance or hinder social connections depending on how they are used. Clear and empathetic communication can foster trust and understanding, while miscommunication or the use of offensive language can damage relationships.

C. Strategies for improving communication through speech patterns

To improve communication through speech patterns, we can practice active listening, be mindful of our tone and body language, use clear and concise language, and adapt our communication style to the needs of others. It is also important to be open to feedback and continuously strive for self-improvement.

V. Developing self-awareness of speech patterns

A. Recognizing our own speech patterns

Developing self-awareness of our speech patterns begins with recognizing how we speak. Pay attention to the words, phrases, and patterns you frequently use in your conversations. This awareness can help you identify areas for improvement and growth.

B. Reflecting on the meaning behind our speech patterns

Once you recognize your speech patterns, take time to reflect on their meaning. Consider how your tone, choice of words, and cultural influences shape your communication style. This reflection can deepen your understanding of yourself and others.

C. Identifying areas for improvement and growth

Identify areas for improvement and growth in your speech patterns. Are there any patterns that may hinder effective communication or create misunderstandings? Set goals for yourself and actively work towards developing more effective and empathetic communication skills.

VI. Enhancing social emotional learning through speech patterns

A. How speech patterns contribute to self-awareness

By paying attention to our speech patterns, we can develop a greater sense of self-awareness. Understanding how our speech reflects our emotions and thoughts allows us to better understand ourselves and regulate our emotions.

B. Using speech patterns to express emotions effectively

Speech patterns provide us with a powerful tool for expressing our emotions effectively. By consciously choosing our words, tone, and body language, we can communicate our feelings in a clear and respectful manner, fostering healthy emotional expression.

C. Building empathy and understanding through speech patterns

Speech patterns also play a crucial role in building empathy and understanding. By listening attentively to others’ speech patterns and being open to different perspectives, we can develop a deeper understanding of their emotions, thoughts, and experiences.

VII. Conclusion

A. Recap of key points discussed

In this blog post, we explored the meaning behind everyday speech patterns. We discussed how speech patterns reflect our emotions and thoughts, the impact of speech patterns on social interactions, and strategies for developing self-awareness and enhancing social emotional learning through effective communication.

B. Encouragement to explore and reflect on everyday speech patterns

I encourage you to take the time to explore and reflect on your own everyday speech patterns. Pay attention to the meaning behind your words and how they impact your interactions with others. This self-reflection can lead to personal growth and improved communication skills.

C. Importance of incorporating social emotional learning in daily life

Social-emotional learning is a lifelong journey that can greatly enhance our personal and professional relationships. By incorporating social emotional learning into our daily lives, we can foster empathy, understanding, and effective communication.

Where Can I Find More Resources on Understanding Everyday Speech Patterns?

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10 Patterns to Help Level up Your Speech

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Speaking Clearly With Common Speech Patterns

Last week I asked this question:

What is the purpose of language?

Most of the messages I got were pretty correct.

Answers like:

• To express ourselves.
• To communicate with others.
• To tell people what we can and should do

And all of these are true. There are a couple more reasons that we could add, such as building relationships.

Overall, the main purpose of language is to give us a means to communicate with others.

So, if language is all about the message and communication, it’s really important that you communicate clearly.

Afterall, you don’t want people to misunderstand you when you’re delivering an important message.

Being clear when you write and talk, isn’t about having a huge vocabulary, knowing hundreds of idioms or having the best teacher.

It’s about using language which everyone understands.

The good news is this: many English speakers use common speech patterns when they speak.

When you know these patterns well enough, you’ll be able to use them automatically, and as a result, you’ll be able to communicate your messages clearly.

Finding these common speech patterns can take a lot of time. You need to become a kind of language researcher and analyse a large number of texts.

But in the end, it’s worth it because you’ll be speaking much clearer and easier than before.

But not everyone has the time and the knowledge to analyse conversations.

That’s why in my program, The Difference , I do the hard researching for you.

I analyse conversations and give you the language to learn. All you need to do is practise it.

Along the way, I’ll also be teaching you effective ways to study, practise and research, so that you can become an all-round better English speaker.

Are you ready to take the next step?

Here’s the link:

https://englishforstudy.com/ join-the-difference/

English For Study

Ps. Today’s been a bit of a crazy day… I’ll tell you about after I get some rest.

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• Neuroscience

Listening to Speech Across the Lifespan

The sands of time: how do our brains process speech as we age.

Posted March 17, 2021 | Reviewed by Gary Drevitch

Speech and language scientists have known for some time that age impacts speech perception. Neuroscientists have also come to understand how functional brain differences (or how the brain executes certain functions) across age groups emerge. Recent research by Orsolya Kolozsvári and colleagues, based in Finland and Germany, attempted to explore how these two topics – speech perception and brain development – may be related [i].

Using magnetoencephalography (MEG), the authors presented both children and adults with syllables, words and sentences, all of which come in different ‘sizes’ in terms of their auditory properties. The words referred to common objects, and the sentences were only 3-4 words each. Both the children and adults were asked to simply listen to, and then repeat, the stimuli.

The authors found that particular neural signatures in the low-frequency range (i.e. delta and theta rhythms) showed different degrees of ‘coherence’ with words and sentences between the age groups. Coherence refers here to the synchrony between two signals, and is related to how a ‘long’ speech unit like a sentence corresponds in time to a ‘slow’ brain oscillation. This involves quantifying the similarity in frequency content between neural activity and the ‘speech envelope.' The higher the coherence between these two factors, the better the speech tracking.

Larger coherence values were found for adults than for children. Left hemisphere coherence was stronger than right hemisphere coherence in adult brains. Adults exhibited larger coherence values compared to children in the delta band in the temporal lobe (specifically, auditory cortex) for both words and sentences. Larger coherence was also observed for words relative to sentences for low frequencies (again, delta and theta), although these differences were attributed to the raw length of the stimuli, rather than the type of stimuli. That is to say, longer stimuli naturally leads to a greater chance of noise infiltration from brain activity ancillary to speech tracking. At the individual MEG sensor level, the topography of coherence for low frequencies again exhibited a clear pattern of auditory cortex activation.

The clearest finding from this study is that adults exhibit greater coherence for low-frequency speech tracking mechanisms in the auditory cortex. Genetically guided maturation of auditory cortices is one obvious candidate here, but consistent exposure to speech also refines the brain’s ability to make top-down inferences, too [ii]. Efficiency of inference generation ('Is this a syllable?', 'Is this a word?') would ease speech processing, such that less bottom-up information is needed to reach the minimum threshold needed (whatever that may be) to generate the category-level inference. The authors made a distinction between children (4-9 years old, in their sample) and adults, and future research may benefit from splitting the adult group into different age groups, too, in particular examining geriatric populations.

Other research has examined “gaze directed speech” in which an adult speaks to an infant, revealing that coherence in low frequencies is weaker when the adult speaker shifted their gaze away during speech [iii]. Examining slow oscillations in sleep in a group of children (2-13 years), another research group showed that with increasing age, slow oscillations propagate across longer distances, with an average growth of 0.2 cm per year, arguing that these traveling slow oscillations are a marker of developing brain connectivity [iv]. These and other recent findings seem to suggest a crucial role for low-frequency oscillations in the developing linguistic brain.

Kolozsvári, O.B., Xu, W., Gerike, G., Parviainen, T., Nieminen, L., Noiray, A., Hämäläinen, J.A. (2021). Coherence between brain activation and speech envelope at word and sentence levels showed age-related differences in low frequency bands. Neurobiology of Language https://doi.org/10.1162/nol_a_00033 .

Kuhl, P.K. (2000). A new view of language acquisition. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 97(22): 11850–11857.

Leong, V., Byrne, E., Clackson, K., Harte, N., Lam, S., Barbaro, K.D., & Wass, S. (2017). Infants’ neural oscillatory processing of theta-rate speech patterns exceeds adults’. bioRxiv http://dx.doi.org/10.1101/108852 .

Kurth, S., Riedner, B. A., Dean, D. C., O’Muircheartaigh, J., Huber, R., Jenni, O. G., Deoni, S. C. L., & LeBourgeois, M. K. (2017). Travelling slow oscillations during sleep: a marker of brain connectivity in childhood. Sleep 40(9): zsx121.

Elliot Murphy, Ph.D. , is the author of The Oscillatory Nature of Language.

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English EFL

Reported speech

Reported questions

Reported questions.

When we report what people say, we usually change the tense of the verbs to reflect that we are reporting – not giving direct speech. This pattern is followed when we report questions and there are also other important changes between direct questions and reported questions.

Reported questions are one form of reported speech.

We usually introduce reported questions with the verb "ask":

• He  asked  (me)  if / whether ... (YES/NO questions)
• He  asked  (me)  why / when / where / what / how ... (question-word questions)

As with reported statements, we may need to change  pronouns  and  tense (backshift) as well as  time  and  place  in reported questions.

But we also need to change the  word order . After we report a question, it is no longer a question (and in writing there is no question mark). The word order is like that of a normal statement (subject-verb-object).

Reported YES/NO questions

We introduce reported YES/NO questions with  ask + if :

Note that in the above example the reported question has no auxiliary "do". But there is pronoun change and backshift.

Note that we sometimes use "whether" instead of "if". The meaning is the same. "Whether" is a little more formal and more usual in writing:

• They asked us  if  we wanted lunch.
• They asked us  whether  we wanted lunch.

Reported question-word questions

We introduce reported question-word questions with  ask + question word :

Remember that there are basically three types of question:

• YES/NO questions:  Do you want tea?
• Question Word questions:  Where did you drink tea?
• Choice questions:  Do you prefer tea or coffee?

Reported choice questions  have the same structure as Reported YES/NO questions. Questions with the verb BE always have a different structure:  Was the tea cold? Where is my tea?  You can see all these differences in the examples below.

Look at these example sentences:

Course Curriculum

• Direct and indirect speech 15 mins
• Tense changes in reported speech 20 mins
• Changing time and place in reported speech 20 mins
• Reported questions 20 mins
• Reporting verbs 20 mins
• Reporting orders and requests 15 mins
• Reporting hopes, intentions and promises 20 mins

• Cambridge Dictionary +Plus

Reported speech: indirect speech

Indirect speech focuses more on the content of what someone said rather than their exact words. In indirect speech , the structure of the reported clause depends on whether the speaker is reporting a statement, a question or a command.

Indirect speech: reporting statements

Indirect reports of statements consist of a reporting clause and a that -clause. We often omit that , especially in informal situations:

The pilot commented that the weather had been extremely bad as the plane came in to land. (The pilot’s words were: ‘The weather was extremely bad as the plane came in to land.’ )

I told my wife I didn’t want a party on my 50th birthday. ( that -clause without that ) (or I told my wife that I didn’t want a party on my 50th birthday .)

Indirect speech: reporting questions

Reporting yes-no questions and alternative questions.

Indirect reports of yes-no questions and questions with or consist of a reporting clause and a reported clause introduced by if or whether . If is more common than whether . The reported clause is in statement form (subject + verb), not question form:

She asked if [S] [V] I was Scottish. (original yes-no question: ‘Are you Scottish?’ )

The waiter asked whether [S] we [V] wanted a table near the window. (original yes-no question: ‘Do you want a table near the window? )

He asked me if [S] [V] I had come by train or by bus. (original alternative question: ‘Did you come by train or by bus?’ )

Questions: yes-no questions ( Are you feeling cold? )

Reporting wh -questions

Indirect reports of wh -questions consist of a reporting clause, and a reported clause beginning with a wh -word ( who, what, when, where, why, how ). We don’t use a question mark:

He asked me what I wanted.

Not: He asked me what I wanted?

The reported clause is in statement form (subject + verb), not question form:

She wanted to know who [S] we [V] had invited to the party.

Not: … who had we invited …

Who , whom and what

In indirect questions with who, whom and what , the wh- word may be the subject or the object of the reported clause:

I asked them who came to meet them at the airport. ( who is the subject of came ; original question: ‘Who came to meet you at the airport?’ )

He wondered what the repairs would cost. ( what is the object of cost ; original question: ‘What will the repairs cost?’ )

She asked us what [S] we [V] were doing . (original question: ‘What are you doing?’ )

Not: She asked us what were we doing?

When , where , why and how

We also use statement word order (subject + verb) with when , where, why and how :

I asked her when [S] it [V] had happened (original question: ‘When did it happen?’ ).

Not: I asked her when had it happened?

I asked her where [S] the bus station [V] was . (original question: ‘Where is the bus station?’ )

Not: I asked her where was the bus station?

The teacher asked them how [S] they [V] wanted to do the activity . (original question: ‘How do you want to do the activity?’ )

Not: The teacher asked them how did they want to do the activity?

Questions: wh- questions

Indirect speech: reporting commands

Indirect reports of commands consist of a reporting clause, and a reported clause beginning with a to -infinitive:

The General ordered the troops to advance . (original command: ‘Advance!’ )

The chairperson told him to sit down and to stop interrupting . (original command: ‘Sit down and stop interrupting!’ )

We also use a to -infinitive clause in indirect reports with other verbs that mean wanting or getting people to do something, for example, advise, encourage, warn :

They advised me to wait till the following day. (original statement: ‘You should wait till the following day.’ )

The guard warned us not to enter the area. (original statement: ‘You must not enter the area.’ )

Verbs followed by a to -infinitive

Indirect speech: present simple reporting verb

We can use the reporting verb in the present simple in indirect speech if the original words are still true or relevant at the time of reporting, or if the report is of something someone often says or repeats:

Sheila says they’re closing the motorway tomorrow for repairs.

Henry tells me he’s thinking of getting married next year.

Rupert says dogs shouldn’t be allowed on the beach. (Rupert probably often repeats this statement.)

Newspaper headlines

We often use the present simple in newspaper headlines. It makes the reported speech more dramatic:

JUDGE TELLS REPORTER TO LEAVE COURTROOM

PRIME MINISTER SAYS FAMILIES ARE TOP PRIORITY IN TAX REFORM

Present simple ( I work )

Reported speech

Reported speech: direct speech

Indirect speech: past continuous reporting verb

In indirect speech, we can use the past continuous form of the reporting verb (usually say or tell ). This happens mostly in conversation, when the speaker wants to focus on the content of the report, usually because it is interesting news or important information, or because it is a new topic in the conversation:

Rory was telling me the big cinema in James Street is going to close down. Is that true?

Alex was saying that book sales have gone up a lot this year thanks to the Internet.

‘Backshift’ refers to the changes we make to the original verbs in indirect speech because time has passed between the moment of speaking and the time of the report.

In these examples, the present ( am ) has become the past ( was ), the future ( will ) has become the future-in-the-past ( would ) and the past ( happened ) has become the past perfect ( had happened ). The tenses have ‘shifted’ or ‘moved back’ in time.

The past perfect does not shift back; it stays the same:

Modal verbs

Some, but not all, modal verbs ‘shift back’ in time and change in indirect speech.

We can use a perfect form with have + - ed form after modal verbs, especially where the report looks back to a hypothetical event in the past:

He said the noise might have been the postman delivering letters. (original statement: ‘The noise might be the postman delivering letters.’ )

He said he would have helped us if we’d needed a volunteer. (original statement: ‘I’ll help you if you need a volunteer’ or ‘I’d help you if you needed a volunteer.’ )

Used to and ought to do not change in indirect speech:

She said she used to live in Oxford. (original statement: ‘I used to live in Oxford.’ )

The guard warned us that we ought to leave immediately. (original statement: ‘You ought to leave immediately.’ )

No backshift

We don’t need to change the tense in indirect speech if what a person said is still true or relevant or has not happened yet. This often happens when someone talks about the future, or when someone uses the present simple, present continuous or present perfect in their original words:

He told me his brother works for an Italian company. (It is still true that his brother works for an Italian company.)

She said she ’s getting married next year. (For the speakers, the time at the moment of speaking is ‘this year’.)

He said he ’s finished painting the door. (He probably said it just a short time ago.)

She promised she ’ll help us. (The promise applies to the future.)

Indirect speech: changes to pronouns

Changes to personal pronouns in indirect reports depend on whether the person reporting the speech and the person(s) who said the original words are the same or different.

Indirect speech: changes to adverbs and demonstratives

We often change demonstratives ( this, that ) and adverbs of time and place ( now, here, today , etc.) because indirect speech happens at a later time than the original speech, and perhaps in a different place.

Typical changes to demonstratives, adverbs and adverbial expressions

Indirect speech: typical errors

The word order in indirect reports of wh- questions is the same as statement word order (subject + verb), not question word order:

She always asks me where [S] [V] I am going .

Not: She always asks me where am I going .

We don’t use a question mark when reporting wh- questions:

I asked him what he was doing.

Not: I asked him what he was doing?

Word of the Day

at the coalface

doing the work involved in a job, in real working conditions, rather than planning or talking about it

Fakes and forgeries (Things that are not what they seem to be)

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English Speech Patterns Required for Everyday Speech

English everyday speech patterns include frequently used phrases. Also, learning these patterns will speed up your speaking process. They are also quite effective for communicating more practically in the English language. First of all, let’s tell you about the benefits of learning English speech patterns.

Daily speech patterns help you to communicate quickly and practically when meeting people, shopping, ordering food and traveling. Even if your knowledge of English is at a basic level, you can easily communicate by learning these patterns.

You can also make minor changes to these sentence structures. Thus, you can produce many different sentences. In this way, you will learn the general sentence structure of English. Also, English speech patterns are very advantageous in that they are easy to remember. You can write down certain English speech patterns that you have difficulty in remembering on your phone and keep them with you. In this way, if you can’t remember the phrases during the English dialogue, you can quickly browse through your notes and continue speaking.

English Speech Patterns

Greeting patterns.

First, let’s explain the greeting patterns.

What are the ‘How Are You?’ Question Patterns?

• How are you (doing)?
• How is it going?
• Are you doing okay?
• How are you feeling?

Answers to the Question ‘How are you?’

• I could be better.
• I am all right.
• So so- not so great.
• I feel well.

English Patterns Used When Meeting Someone

You can use these English speech patterns for meeting someone:

• Let me introduce myself to you.
• This is my friend, Michael.
• Diana, this is the woman I was telling about you.
• Henry, this is Mary.

‘Nice to Meet You’ Patterns

• (Glad, Nice, Good) to meet you.
• (It is a pleasure to meet you.)
• (How nice to meet you.)

Patterns for Making Friends with Someone

• Do you want to join us?
• Mind if I join you?
• Would you like to dance?

English Patterns Used in Food and Beverage Service Places

You can use the following English speech patterns for taking orders:

• May I take your order, please?
• Here or take away?/ For here or to go?
• Would you like to see the menu?
• Do you want to learn our speacials for today?

You can use the following English patterns when ordering:

• We are ready to order.
• We need more time to decide.
• Is there anything you can suggest?
• Do I pay you or the cashier?
• Can you get  a glass of water?
• What are your specialities?
• Keep the change.
• Can you seperate the bill, please?
• I couldn’t finish this. Could you wrap it, please?

English Speech Patterns Related to Airplane, Train, Bus Travel

• How can I go to the downtown?
• Can I reserve a seat in advance?
• Do we stop for the meals?
• What is the fare?
• Do I have to change the planes?
• Will there be a layover?
• Is it a direct flight?
• What is the departure time?
• What is the arrival time?

English Speech Patterns about Shopping

• What is your size?
• That is your colour.
• Do you have something specific in mind?
• May I help you?
• That looks nice (or great on you).
• Are you being helped?
• How would you want to pay?

English Diary Patterns used for Hotel Accommodation

• Can I book a room?
• I have a reservation.
• I need (a single/double bed) in the room.
• Are pets allowed?

Pronunciation of English Speech Patterns

Let’s talk about how these patterns are read. You can read words very well. But accents and meanings in English speech patterns can vary. All you have to do is watch videos, listen to people, talk, and make mistakes. As a result, you begin to pronounce these sentences in the most correct way.

In order to be able to say that I know English, it is not enough to be able to read that language from written sources and understand what you read. It is very important for us as social beings to speak the language. In other words, it is necessary to talk to each other for many situations such as meeting, greeting, asking for addresses. You can socialize with English conversation dialogues that contain basic information. You can even travel in a country you don’t know at all without needing anyone.

So, are the English speech patterns enough to meet all your needs? Of course, English patterns are not enough to enjoy more when you go on holiday to a foreign country. Also, when you meet strangers for work, you will need much more than the sentences in this dialogue to impress them. In the scope of the subject, English speech patterns we can say that:  If you want to speak English fluently without any difficulty, you can learn English easily with English course.

Related Posts

Advantages of Learning a Second Language

Tactics for Learning English at Home

Commonly Used Abbreviations in English

Reported Questions

Reported questions are one form of reported speech .

We usually introduce reported questions with the verb "ask":

• He asked (me) if / whether ... (YES/NO questions)
• He asked (me) why / when / where / what / how ... (question-word questions)

As with reported statements , we may need to change pronouns and tense (backshift) as well as time and place in reported questions.

But we also need to change the word order . After we report a question, it is no longer a question (and in writing there is no question mark). The word order is like that of a normal statement (subject-verb-object).

Reported YES/NO questions

We introduce reported YES/NO questions with ask + if :

Note that in the above example the reported question has no auxiliary "do". But there is pronoun change and backshift.

Note that we sometimes use "whether" instead of "if". The meaning is the same. "Whether" is a little more formal and more usual in writing:

• They asked us if we wanted lunch.
• They asked us whether we wanted lunch.

Reported question-word questions

We introduce reported question-word questions with ask + question word :

Note that in the above example the reported question has no auxiliary "do". But there is pronoun change and backshift.

• YES/NO questions: Do you want tea?
• Question Word questions: Where did you drink tea?
• Choice questions: Do you prefer tea or coffee?

Look at these example sentences:

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When to use "If I was" vs. "If I were"?

• If I was...
• If I were...

When is it correct to use "If I was" vs. "If I were" in standard English?

• word-choice
• grammaticality
• conditionals
• subjunctive-mood
• irrealis-were

• Closely related: If I was an airline pilot vs. If I had been an airline pilot 10 years ago –  Mari-Lou A Commented Aug 13, 2017 at 11:50
• Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat . –  tchrist ♦ Commented Feb 4, 2018 at 17:20

12 Answers 12

SYNOPSIS : Sometimes it must be “if I was” , but at other times it can be “if I were” — and for some speakers in those cases, perhaps even must be “if I were” in their idiolect.

Sentences with the subordinating conjunction if normally contain two clauses, each with its own subject and verb. The question asks what to do about the past-tense be verb in the “if” clause.

Unfortunately, as it’s currently worded the question can have no answer that is simultaneously all of short, complete, and correct . That’s because it doesn’t provide enough context to know which one of many possible cases actually applies here. I must therefore cover them all.

Classification schemes

David Maule in his 1988 EFL paper titled ‘Sorry, if he comes, I go’: teaching conditionals suggested that English conditionals be broadly classified as one of four types depending on whether their outcomes were real vs. unreal and past vs. non-past. (Maule classifies these based on their “then” part not on their “if” part, and as we shall see, this is a useful way to organize them.)

• Class A: real non-past
• Class B: real past
• Class C: unreal non-past
• Class D: unreal past

Maule discovered that most English conditionals do not fit into the narrow models typically presented to EFL students learning English.

Christian Jones and Daniel Waller built on Maule’s work with their own EFL paper in 2010, If only it were true: the problem with the four conditionals . The authors sampled a random assortment of conditionals from the British National Corpus and classified each as being one of Maule’s four categories listed above. They discovered that the real cases contained patterns in both the past and the non-past that appeared very frequently in real English, but which are rarely taught to learners.

The class B “real past” cases fit into three patterns:

• If + present simple, past continuous
• If + present simple, past simple
• If + past simple, past simple

Of those three, the final pattern of having past simple in both clauses was by far the most common of the three. The sample provided for that case was:

... if you wanted [real] to know the answer ... you had [real] to keep zapping from channel to channel.

Converting that into the first person singular to align with the asker’s question gives us:

If I wanted [real] to know the answer, I had [real] to keep zapping from channel to channel.

And it just one step more to swap out want for be :

If I was [real] interested in knowing the answer, I had [real] to keep zapping from channel to channel.

So here we discover the first of what shall prove to be several answers to the asker’s question:

You use If I was in the “if” part when the “then” part is in the simple past.

These are always conditionals from Maule’s class B. It would not be grammatical to use “If I were” there.

These “real past” cases happen all the time in real speech and real writing, as Jones and Waller prove.

Consider this arrangement:

If she was [real] already home when he got there, then she took [real] the bus.

That’s a real past case on both sides, and it would be ungrammatical to use “If she were” to attempt to mean the same thing. You can also use a modal perfect in the consequent along with that past simple in the “if” part:

If she was [real] already home when he got there, then she must have taken the bus. If she was [real] already home when he got there, then she will have taken the bus.

Those are all real cases, and you know by the “then” part.

The Unreals

For Class C, the unreal non-pasts, there are many example patterns provided, but the most common case by far uses “if” with past simple or with a modal, then some modal in the consequent.

One provided example there is:

... I ’d give it a good hiding if it didn’t behave .

However, there are many other Class C patterns, such as:

... if we could get three or four items, that would be very nice. ... if two members of staff happen to fall in love and decide to marry it would be churlish to be appointing blame.

The thing about using the past simple in something like “If it didn’t” is that without looking further along in the sentence, this alone is not enough to reveal whether it’s a Class B type that will take a real consequent or whether it’s a Class C type that will take an unreal one.

“If only it were true”, “I wish it were true”

Because we use the simple past tense in English for real and unreal conditionals, you normally cannot know whether it’s the unreal case until you hit the “then” portion. But in one unique yet common case, you can, and that is when a singular subject is governing the verb be in the past. That’s because the unreal case uses were no matter whether singular or plural.

So we could say:

If a staff member were to fall in love, it would be churlish to assign blame.

That’s a Class C conditional because the “then” part has a would be in it. But you already knew it was going to be a hypothetical case when you saw the “If a staff member were” in the first half.

Recasting that into the first person singular provides the second answer to the asker’s question:

If I were to fall in love, it would be churlish to blame me for it.

This special, modally marked form of be is used only for an unreal hypothetical. It is a relic of the Old English past subjunctive, and it was once used for far more than we use it today.

Here alone can you detect through the morphology of the verb that it is anything other than the past simple. This is a Class C conditional because it has an unreal non-past in its consequent: “would be churlish”

You cannot go wrong by using were for hypotheticals like this, as it has been the preferred use for centuries, particularly but not exclusively in America. Many careful writers still choose to observe this distinction: you need but read some recent issue of The Economist magazine from the UK to find plenty of examples of this. Indeed, English teachers at American schools have been known to mark various hypothetical uses of was as “wrong”, saying that it “should” be were .

Optional were in Class C conditionals

However, you should not flinch if — nay, when — you hear someone say “If I was... I would...” as a Class C conditional in casual speech. This sometimes happens even in educated speakers and writers, so you should not make anything of it. Some writers prefer not to do that, but unless the person complaining is your English teacher, you shouldn’t let it get to you. (Yes, this is ungrammatical for some people. For others, it is not.)

It could be that those writers or speakers using “If I was...would” in their conditionals have chosen not to convey the nuance, or perhaps did not consider such a distinction meaningful in their own speech. Some are even unaware that the distinction exists.

Because of the redundancy in language where the would in the “then” part gives it away, it’s not really needed anyway; everyone will still know what you mean.

These forms are still unreal cases even when they aren’t modally marked as unreal, singular were . Because in all cases except for this unique case of was/were you cannot ever morphologically distinguish a real case from an unreal one in English, you have to decide whether it’s unreal by looking at the “then” part, not the “if” part (at least, not reliably).

That means you need to train yourself to tell the real case:

From the unreal case:

If she were [unreal] already home when he got there, he wouldn’t have [unreal] to run pick her up himself.

Even when the unreal case uses the past simple not unreal past in the “if” part the way some speakers do:

If she was [“unreal”] already home when he got there, he wouldn’t have [unreal] to run pick her up himself.

That last example above is real in form but it is still unreal in sense because of the would . Some writers disapprove of that style of using was for a hypothetical, but it’s not uncommon, especially in speech.

Moreover, you cannot somehow make it be “less hypothetical” merely by using “was...would” ; that’s just as hypothetical as “were...would” for the reasons already stated.

One final common construction uses past perfect in the “if” part and a modal perfect in the “then” part:

If she had been [unreal] already home when he got there, he wouldn’t have had [unreal] to run pick her up himself.

Although that’s a common way to set up a unreal case with perfects on both sides, there are many other ways, including using a non-perfect unreal past in the “if”:

If she were [unreal] already home when he got there, he wouldn’t have had [unreal] to run pick her up himself.

Yes, it’s somehow “unbalanced” with respect to the perfect aspect, but English doesn’t have an obligatory sequence-of-tenses rule like some languages do, and we often use a simple past instead of a perfect one because it’s...simpler that way.

Inverted Conditionals without if

There is one relatively uncommon place where you pretty much do have to use were not was in a conditional, and that is when you use inversion to forgo the word if altogether:

Were [unreal] there any other way, we would have [unreal] found it.

That’s the same as saying:

If there were [unreal] any other way, we would have [unreal] found it.

or even as saying:

If there had been [unreal] any other way, we would have [unreal] found it.

But that last one lends itself to an inverted version:

Had there been [unreal] any other way, we would have [unreal] found it.

The subject–verb inversion is something of a stealth conditional because it doesn’t use the word if . The inversion alone is enough to signal that it’s what used to be called a “subjunctive” use (back when English had an actual subjunctive). It doesn’t have to use be , but if you do use be for it, you should certainly use were . Other verbs in the past tense work the same, with the inversion signalling the conditional:

Had [unreal] they but asked, we would have [unreal] gladly told them.

You’ll find this “subjunctive inversion” style in formal writing, but very rarely if ever in extemporaneous, casual speaking. That’s because inversion isn’t all that normal, so it’s a marked form. Consider how stiffly formal this Steven Brust quote mentioned in this answer sounds:

To be more precise, and state the matter in its simplest form, we believe that were [unreal] any of the events in the previous volume of such a nature that they could be omitted without severe damage to the narrative, we should have omitted [unreal] them to begin with.         ―  The Lord of Castle Black , by Steven Brust

There instead of writing out the conditional the long way with “if any were” , to be more formal Brust wrote it with inversion: “were any” . (He’s also playing on the modal duality of should , but that’s something else again.)

If you ever get the chance to read English literature from a couple centuries ago or better, you might even come upon conditional inversion used with the bare infinitive in what has historically been called a “present subjunctive” use:

Be ye [unreal] man or mouse, still shall ye say nothing!

That’s using inversion to skip the if , as though it were:

If ye be [unreal] man or mouse, still shall ye say nothing!

Nobody talks that way anymore, and nobody writes that way anymore, either, not unless they intend to represent the speech of centuries long past. Instead we’d just say:

No matter whether you are a man or a mouse, you still will say nothing!

Further Reading

I have related answers here:

• subjunctive in a “non-if” hypothetical clause
• “Be them” or “be they”?
• If I were him, I would doubt if she (is/was/were?) serious about this relationship
• How is the English Subjunctive Composed?
• Present subjunctive with synonyms of lest

• 1 re "to be deliberately archaizing Brust wrote..." When I write a formal letter (e-mail, these days) I often use inversions such as "had there been" "should you have" or "were you to" to convey a formal tone but I had no idea I would be archaizing. –  Centaurus Commented Feb 5, 2018 at 12:49
• @Centaurus You’re right, so I’ve re­moved that bit. Mere “sub­junc­tive in­ver­sion” for con­di­tion­als by it­self is not ar­chaiz­ing, al­though it is more of­ten to be found in writ­ing than in speech and so might be “for­mal­iz­ing”. Brust is writ­ing a char­ac­ter there who’s pur­pose­fully stuffy. ( continued ...) –  tchrist ♦ Commented Feb 5, 2018 at 14:13
• 1 @Centaurus ( continued ) His word-play on we should is pos­si­ble be­cause most peo­ple would today say we would but Brust is us­ing the “old” “1st-per­son” fla­vor of we should where in mod­ern times we’d be much more likely to say we would . He did so be­cause this way he al­lows for both modal­i­ties of should — the epis­temic sense of prob­a­bil­ity and the de­on­tic sense of obli­ga­tion — to si­mul­ta­ne­ously en­ter into the read­er’s mind for the delectably sub­tle, hu­mor­ous ef­fect. –  tchrist ♦ Commented Mar 24, 2019 at 16:53
• There's at least one inversion which can only really be thought of as indicative in modern 21st century English, the one with should - as in Should you see Centaurus, ask him to ping me . –  Araucaria - Him Commented Mar 25, 2019 at 19:36
• I'd say "Whether man or mouse, still you'll say nothing!" Or even "Man or mouse, still you'll say nothing." Good answer, though. I hadn't seen it before. Well worthy of canonical status. –  Robusto Commented Oct 30, 2019 at 16:40

When in doubt, always use the subjunctive mood:

If I were you...

It will make you sound smarter and it is technically correct since "the subjunctive mood is used to express a wish or possible situation that is currently not true."

• 9 Please provide references to support this answer. The year is now 2018 and smartypants answers are not exactly commendable :) –  Mari-Lou A Commented Feb 4, 2018 at 19:05
• 10 Previous comments have been moved to chat, but since this answer remains accepted (and the asker apparently AWOL), this should be stated here: THIS ANSWER IS NOT CORRECT . The subjunctive mood is NOT always the right option. See Nick’s answer for a much better explanation. –  Janus Bahs Jacquet Commented Feb 4, 2018 at 23:14
• 13 This answer appears to be a bit of satire that was so successful that it got taken for a real piece of advice, and irritated some people. Repeatedly. Rather like Macchiavelli. –  John Lawler Commented Aug 31, 2018 at 23:01
• 2 Meta discussion: english.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/12089/… –  Joshua Commented Mar 27, 2019 at 17:31
• 2 This bald statement would be helped immensely by minimal statistics over like the relevant (but questionable) history in NGrams . But a plain google search comparison shows that "If I was you" is perfectly acceptable nowadays . –  Mitch Commented Mar 28, 2019 at 19:14

It's if I were for hypothetical in the present or future and if I was when talking about something presumed true in the PAST. "IF" then means something likened to "since".

If I were class president, I would represent our class very well for the next four years. If I was at the party last night, I don't remember.

It's an old, residual rule from the days of yore when English verbs conjugated differently for person and singular/plural in both the past and present tense indicative and subjunctive . While I may not have enough knowledge on Old and Middle English, I can show you the conjugation for to do for the 2nd person singular form of "thou" in Early Modern English:

present indicative - thou dost present subjunctive - thou do past indicative - thou didst past subjunctive - thou did

It's why it should be "if I be" for things possible and one could still say it. We see "if truth be told" and "whether it be" and others, all residual subjunctives from the days of Chaucer and even Shakespeare wherein it was already disappearing. In Modern English, the past tense is uniform for every person ( I, you, he, we, you, they did ) except for "to be" ( I, he was, but you, we, you, they were ), but it wasn't always that way.

Anyway, if I were you, I would learn it because it usually separates the intelligent from ignoramuses. It's correct English even if it be a little old.

Well, "if I was" can be valid for the past, I guess.

If I was wrong, please forgive me.

That aside, I think one of the other answers is right that in British English — at least spoken — both are acceptable and probably equally common. (The 'were' version sounds more 'educated'.)

The rule that I was taught is that was is for things that could be true but aren't, and were is for things that could never be true. So, if I was an airline pilot is OK because conceivably I could retrain as a pilot, if I wanted. But if I were you is right because I will never be you.

The rule you were taught is wrong, Daniel.

The few subjunctive forms that are left can all be stated in other fashions using language that isn't subjunctive in form. We use lexical verbs to state subjunctive/contrary to fact situations all the time.

If I lived in Bangkok, ... // If I had a million dollars, ... // If I hadn't been born, ... .

Just as we can use the past time FORM of lexical verbs to describe contrary to fact situations, so too we can use 'was'. It's not as formal as the subjunctive form 'were' but it means the same thing.

There's not a speaker of English anywhere who thinks that "If I was you" means that the speaker is saying "I am you".

"If I were you" means the same thing as "If I was you". They both entail that I am not you.

Of course, we can and do use 'was' to state "allowing that that's true":

If she was at the party, she sure was quiet.

• 2 As you indicate, saying, "If I was you" would almost certainly not cause confusion (except perhaps some confusion about this rule), but it would make people think you didn't finish high school. –  Kai Maxfield Commented May 21, 2016 at 3:46

Younger people would never use 'were', here in Australia at least. From the point of view of grammar, both are OK nowadays. It's interesting to note, that IELTS would accept both while TOEFL would be very reluctant to accept 'was'.

• re "younger people would never use "were"". Do they say "If I was you"? –  Centaurus Commented Feb 5, 2018 at 14:49
• 2 @Centaurus Yes, in my region of Australia. You might also hear "I goes" and "Should have went". –  geometrikal Commented Apr 26, 2018 at 15:17
• In any country, there are well-educated young people and poorly-educated young people. In Australia the former do still use were in this context but in fewer numbers, and the latter were always less likely to use it, some from lack of exposure to the "correct" form, and others from an awareness of "proper English" combined with a class-proud refusal to "talk more genteel". –  Chappo Hasn't Forgotten Commented Apr 18, 2019 at 4:38

The rule that I was taught is that was is for things that could be true but aren't, and were is for things that could never be true.

So, if I was an airline pilot is OK because conceivably I could retrain as a pilot, if I wanted.

But if I were you is right because I will never be you.

• 25 "If I was an airline pilot" and "If I were an airline pilot" have different meanings. The latter is the subjunctive case (and presumably what most people mean , even if they say the former). The former is talking about the past tense - "if I was an airline pilot 10 years ago..." –  Marthaª Commented Oct 12, 2010 at 17:28
• Before I had ever heard of Martha and had seen the caliber of her contributions, one of my first questions as a novice was inspired by the comment above. She is very good, and she writes impeccably well. But here she is wrong. –  Mari-Lou A Commented Jun 28, 2018 at 10:23
• Martha is right about the meaning of "if I was a pilot", so most people saying that would either be drunk, losing their memories big-time, or misusing the English language. –  Kai Maxfield Commented Apr 14, 2019 at 11:18

The rule is, if your hypothetical scenario suggests something that isn't true, use were:

If I were stronger, I'd break your arm!

(I'm not stronger.)

If I were a flower, I'd go crazy!

(I'm not really a flower, though I've been called a pansy before.)

If my room were clean, it would be a first.

(My room isn't clean.)

If it may be true, use was:

If this answer was poorly constructed, it may have been due to the fact that I was really tired.

(It may be poorly written.)

The same rules apply to sentences with though :

He appears as though he were homeless.

(He's not homeless, yet, although keeping up his current dressing habits could result in such.)

This is addressed, among other places, on pages 56-57 of my favorite reference book, "Woe Is I" by Patricia O' Conner.

Also see http://m.grammarbook.com/grammar-rules/subject-and-verb-agreement.aspx from which I quote:

Rule 10. The word were replaces was in sentences that express a wish or are contrary to fact: Example: If Joe were here, you'd be sorry. Shouldn't Joe be followed by was , not were , given that Joe is singular? But Joe isn't actually here, so we say were , not was . The sentence demonstrates the subjunctive mood , which is used to express things that are hypothetical, wishful, imaginary, or factually contradictory. The subjunctive mood pairs singular subjects with what we usually think of as plural verbs. Examples: I wish it were Friday. She requested that he raise his hand. In the first example, a wishful statement, not a fact, is being expressed; therefore, were , which we usually think of as a plural verb, is used with the singular subject I. Normally, he raise would sound terrible to us. However, in the second example, where a request is being expressed, the subjunctive mood is correct. Note: The subjunctive mood is losing ground in spoken English but should still be used in formal speech and writing.

If I was : This phrase uses the past indicative mood, and it is used to state a fact that could be true. Have you ever gotten an e-mail from Twitter telling you about a suspicious login? They say, "If this was your login, don't worry about it," because that login to your account the other day could be yours, but Twitter isn't sure.

Unreal Past

If I were : This phrase uses the past subjunctive mood, and it is used in situations in which the speaker is wishfully thinking. I want to be taller, so I sometimes I say, "If I were taller, my life would be easier," but the fact of the matter is I'm not taller than I already am. I'm wishfully thinking about a situation that isn't true.

If I be / If I am : These phrases can be used interchangeably when the sentence refers to a future situation that could happen. The archaic If I be uses the present subjunctive while If I am uses the present indicative. Here are a few examples.

• If you be good tomorrow, Mommy will buy you a cookie. ( archaic )
• If I am great during my speech for school president, maybe I will be elected.
• Whether my future be promising or not, I know it will work out in the end. ( archaic )

Google Ngrams shows that using the present subjunctive in this case is rather archaic , but it is still far from being incorrect. Again, the two moods can be used interchangeably in these cases.

I think both can be said to be standard uses nowadays. I have read that American English uses the subjunctive ("If I were you") more than British English. I never use "If I were you" but always the "was" formation. In the same way I would never say "If he be right", etc.

• 5 An American would not say if he be right too. –  apaderno Commented Aug 29, 2010 at 23:45
• 2 @Shinto Sherlock: the past tense of the subjunctive moode is used to express an imaginary or hypothetical condition, as far as I know. I have never heard somebody saying if I be rich, I would live in Hawaii , or if I am rich, I would be live in Hawaii. –  apaderno Commented Sep 5, 2010 at 21:26
• Compare the previous sentence with "I request that Jill pick up the ball," which uses the present subjunctive to express a mandative statement. Subjunctive mood is used in the same way in both American and British English. –  apaderno Commented Apr 3, 2011 at 1:38
• 2 For this form of the subjunctive, Ngrams doesn't show a marked American/British difference. –  Peter Shor Commented Feb 9, 2012 at 17:35
• "If I was you" sounds hillbilly. I thought we had all the rednecks who were too busy herding cows to learn a lick of English. –  Kai Maxfield Commented Apr 14, 2019 at 11:23

First things first.

When you're talking about a real situation, you should stick to either:

(1) If I was ...

[for the past time]

(1') If I am ...

[for the present or future time]

When you're talking about a hypothetical situation, you'll most likely be okay with:

(2) If I were ...

The beauty of (2) is that it can be used even for the past time of a hypothetical situation. Yes, the original form for this would be:

(3) If I had been ...

But I've seen native speakers prefer to use (2) instead of (3) for the past time of a hypothetical situation, time and time again, especially in spoken English.

So much for the basics...

There's a little but important twist in all this.

Although being correct, using (2) for a hypothetical situation in an informal context might make it sound a tad stronger than you want it to. I suppose this might be because were sounds stronger than was .

Whatever the real reason may be, therefore, you might want to use (1) instead of (2) for a hypothetical situation in an informal context, unless of course you want to make it sound stronger for some contextual reason.

Sometimes, using (1) for a hypothetical situation might also make the speaker sound "cooler" as might be the case in this clip of the movie 'KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE' , where Charlie says:

If I was you, I'd unlock your cab.

"If I was" is for a possible scenario, and "If I were" is for wild imaginations, unrealistic dreams, or, in general, hypothetical scenarios. The following examples should make it clear enough.

If it was you, prove it.

If I were you, I would not do that.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged word-choice grammaticality conditionals subjunctive-mood irrealis-were or ask your own question .

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• Determine the continuity of a function
• Brakes not going back on their own
• Is FDISK /MBR really undocumented, and why?

Reported Speech

Perfect english grammar.

Reported Statements

Here's how it works:

We use a 'reporting verb' like 'say' or 'tell'. ( Click here for more about using 'say' and 'tell' .) If this verb is in the present tense, it's easy. We just put 'she says' and then the sentence:

• Direct speech: I like ice cream.
• Reported speech: She says (that) she likes ice cream.

We don't need to change the tense, though probably we do need to change the 'person' from 'I' to 'she', for example. We also may need to change words like 'my' and 'your'. (As I'm sure you know, often, we can choose if we want to use 'that' or not in English. I've put it in brackets () to show that it's optional. It's exactly the same if you use 'that' or if you don't use 'that'.)

But , if the reporting verb is in the past tense, then usually we change the tenses in the reported speech:

• Reported speech: She said (that) she liked ice cream.

* doesn't change.

• Direct speech: The sky is blue.
• Reported speech: She said (that) the sky is/was blue.

Click here for a mixed tense exercise about practise reported statements. Click here for a list of all the reported speech exercises.

Reported Questions

So now you have no problem with making reported speech from positive and negative sentences. But how about questions?

• Direct speech: Where do you live?
• Reported speech: She asked me where I lived.
• Direct speech: Where is Julie?
• Reported speech: She asked me where Julie was.

• Direct speech: Do you like chocolate?
• Reported speech: She asked me if I liked chocolate.

Click here to practise reported 'wh' questions. Click here to practise reported 'yes / no' questions. Reported Requests

There's more! What if someone asks you to do something (in a polite way)? For example:

• Direct speech: Close the window, please
• Or: Could you close the window please?
• Or: Would you mind closing the window please?
• Reported speech: She asked me to close the window.

• Direct speech: Please don't be late.
• Reported speech: She asked us not to be late.

Reported Orders

• Direct speech: Sit down!
• Reported speech: She told me to sit down.

• Click here for an exercise to practise reported requests and orders.

• Click here for an exercise about using 'say' and 'tell'.
• Click here for a list of all the reported speech exercises.

Hello! I'm Seonaid! I'm here to help you understand grammar and speak correct, fluent English.

Read more about our learning method

Reported Speech using Asked, If, and Whether

This is a Full Access Handout. Get Full Access to download this Handout.

Help your students report questions that have been asked by using reported speech and if or whether. Students practice rewriting quoted (direct) speech into reported (indirect) speech. Open and closed questions are also reviewed.

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Tonight Biden and Trump will have their first debate of 2024. Here’s what you need to know

Elena Moore

Biden and Trump will debate on Thursday. Here’s what you need to know

President Biden and former President Donald Trump will face off Thursday night in Atlanta. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images; Carlos Osorio/AP hide caption

President Biden and former President Donald Trump will face off in the first presidential debate of the 2024 general election tonight in Atlanta .

It begins a new phase of the presidential race, less than five months out from Nov. 5, Election Day, as the matchup remains extremely tight. Biden and Trump stand virtually tied, according to the latest NPR/PBS News/Marist poll , which echoes a months-long trend of recent national surveys.

The debate also breaks with campaign tradition, occurring months earlier than usual and with a new set of rules both candidates have agreed to, including no live audience. It’s also the first debate either candidate has participated in this campaign season. Biden largely ran unopposed, and Trump notably skipped the GOP primary debates.

How Biden is getting ready for his high-stakes debate with Trump

Here’s what you need to know about this first debate.

When and how to watch

The event starts at 9 p.m. ET and will run for 90 minutes. It will be moderated by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Dana Bash and take place at the network’s studios in Atlanta.

The debate will be available on CNN and the streaming platform Max, formerly known as HBO. Viewers without a cable login can watch on CNN’s website .

NPR will be providing live on-air special coverage of the CNN Presidential Debate Simulcast. Plus, you can follow NPR’s live blog for updates and analysis during the debate.

Who will be there?

Biden and Trump are the only presidential candidates who qualified for the debate stage.

Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. failed to meet the threshold , which required candidates to poll at 15% or higher in four national surveys and appear on enough state ballots that could theoretically push them past the needed 270 Electoral College votes to secure the presidency.

How is this debate different from those in the past?

Typically, presidential debates occur in front of a live audience, often in an event space on a college or university campus, and are coordinated by the bipartisan Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD).

As Trump takes to the debate stage Thursday, his signature style may be muted

But not this year. Both candidates have said they will not participate in the CPD’s previously scheduled and announced debates, lobbying for earlier matchups .

Instead, Biden and Trump will take part in tonight’s debate on CNN and then a second in September hosted by ABC News.

Biden and Trump have agreed to the following rules :

• Microphones will be muted unless a candidate is directed to speak.
• Candidates are not allowed to bring prewritten notes or props. They will receive a pen and paper, as well as a bottle of water.
• A coin toss determined podium positions and the order of closing statements. According to CNN, Biden’s campaign won the coin toss and chose the podium to the viewers' right. As a result, the Trump team chose to deliver the final closing statement of the evening.

What to watch for

Candidates will likely speak to recent respective legal dramas. The debate comes about a month after Trump was found guilty of 34 criminal charges in New York, becoming the first U.S. president in history to be convicted of felony crimes. Biden’s son, Hunter, who is not running for office, was convicted on felony gun charges in Delaware in mid-June and faces a second federal trial in September over failing to pay his taxes.

Biden will also likely address concerns over his age and ability to serve a second term. At 81, he is the oldest sitting president in U.S. history, and if elected for a second term, he would exit office at 86.

While the president has had public slipups throughout his first term, Trump, who is 78, has repeatedly criticized Biden’s mental ability , most recently speculating he should take a cognitive test. In that same speech, Trump incorrectly named the doctor who conducted his own cognitive exam while president.

On the issues, it’s expected the candidates will discuss the state of the economy and immigration policy, as both are consistently top issues for voters in national polling. It’s also possible the candidates will weigh in on international politics, given voters remain divided on whether the U.S. should be sending military aid to Ukraine and Israel in their respective wars.

The debate may also be an opportunity for Biden to address his decreasing support, when compared to 2020, among key parts of his base, notably Blacks and Latinos and young voters .

Trump is losing some ground among older voters, and the Biden campaign is trying to capitalize on that . Plus, the former president may still need to repair relations with Nikki Haley supporters who remain uncertain about backing him again.

What's next?

Trump will likely announce his pick for vice president in the coming weeks. There will also be a vice presidential debate this summer. The date has not been finalized, but Vice President Harris agreed to one held on either July 23 or Aug. 13.

On the legal front, Trump will appear for sentencing in his criminal trial on July 11, just days before the Republican National Convention, which begins on July 15 in Milwaukee. A month later, the Democratic National Convention will kick off on Aug. 19 in Chicago.

Trump and Biden will debate for a second time on Sept. 10.

• presidential debate
• 2024 elections
• Donald Trump
• Kamala Harris

Biden-Trump 2024 debate live updates: Candidates spar on economy as debate kicks off

What's happening.

• President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are debating tonight in Atlanta. Watch live coverage hosted by CNN and simulcast on NBC News.
• The two candidates are in a studio in Atlanta without an audience. Candidates' microphones will be muted after time limits elapse. They'll have 2 minutes to answer, 1 minute for rebuttal.
• An announcement about Trump's vice presidential running mate pick could come as early as this week, sources said, and Trump has said his eventual running mate will be at the debate.

First question goes to Biden on the economy

Alexandra Marquez

The first question came from Tapper, directed to Biden: "Since you took office, the price of essentials has increased. For example, a basket of groceries that cost $100 then now costs more than $120 and typical home prices have jumped more than 30%. What do you say to voters who feel they are worse off under your presidency than they were under President Trump?"

Biden answered by hitting Trump's leadership during Covid and the economic downturn that came as a result of the virus.

Biden and Trump do not shake hands

Megan Lebowitz

Biden and Trump did not shake hands, bucking the traditional way candidates have opened debates. As Trump walked on stage, after Biden, he barely looked at his opponent.

They did not shake hands in 2020 due to Covid concerns.

Undecided Black Pennsylvania voters say they want economy addressed in debate

Nikki haley voters ponder their options.

Nikki Haley voters may be struggling with their options tonight.

So many of them — in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and beyond — told NBC News the moment they could no longer support Trump was his actions on and around Jan. 6, be it the election denialism that led to the riot or his hours of inaction as it unfolded.

Many told NBC News they would never vote for him again after, in some cases, voting for him twice in 2016 and 2020. To those voters, Biden’s focus on democracy is important and could help them make a pick. 

But that doesn’t mean it assuages their concerns about the current president, either, particularly given many of their other ideological differences. It’s a paradox voters have grappled with for months — and it's coming to a head as the general election nears.

Black voters in Philadelphia sound off on what they're hoping to hear tonihgt

Shaquille Brewster

Emma Barnett

Anthony Terrell

Reporting from From a debate watch party in Philadelphia

Both Biden and Trump are looking to win over Black voters in Philadelphia to secure their path to victory. NBC News is watching the debate with a group of Black voters at The Cigar Code in Philadelphia.

All three of the voters cast their ballot for Biden in 2020. This time around, only one of them is currently supporting the president.

William Latif Little is one of those undecided voters who says this debate could be a deciding factor for him. The issue at the front of his mind is the economy — specifically, housing and gas prices.

Cherron Perry-Thomas is planning on voting for Biden in November. She says “there aren’t that many other choices for this [election].”

Perry-Thomas made it clear that Trump is “not an option,” adding she is concerned about some of the think groups supporting him.

Seth Anderson-Oberman voted uncommitted in the Pennsylvania primary and is disappointed with how Biden is handling the Israel-Hamas war.

“[Biden] is not using his full power to push for a ceasefire and peace and I really need to see that,” Anderson-Oberman said.

The economy is also at the top of his mind.

"I need Biden and the Democratic Party to acknowledge that the economy is not great for working people,” he said. Anderson-Oberman says he feels “gaslit by Democratic party who is telling us the economy is great and there are no problems.”

It's 9 p.m. ET

Daniel Arkin

The debate is about to get underway. Follow along for live coverage and analysis.

Lara Trump on her father-in-law's veep pick: 'He's told some people'

Ben Kamisar

Republican National Committee co-chair Lara Trump toyed with the prospect of her father-in-law's vice presidential running mate pick shortly before the debate, telling NBC News: "He's told some people."

Asked by NBC News' Tom Llamas on NBC News NOW's debate pre-show whether she knew whom her father would pick, Trump responded: "Maybe, maybe not. We play it pretty close in the Trump family."

When Llamas replied by asking, "He's already told people, then?" Lara Trump replied: "He's told some people, yeah."

Biden mocks Trump's baseless claims about drugs

Biden took a swipe at Trump's baseless allegations that the president may be on drugs during the debate.

"I don’t know what they’ve got in these performance enhancers, but I’m feeling pretty jacked up," Biden said in a post on X with pictures of him holding a branded can of water. "Try it yourselves, folks."

The Biden campaign is now selling the water cans labeled as "Dark Brandon's Secret Sauce," nodding at the meme embraced by the campaign.

"The secret to a good debate performance? Staying hydrated," the campaign's website says. "Get yourself the same performance enhancers Joe Biden took before going on stage. 100% water, zero malarkey."

How Biden could counter Trump on inflation

Inflation is slowing down, now around a 3.3% annual rate after having reached more than 9% in 2022. Still, grocery prices and shelter costs are more than 20% higher since December 2019, right before the pandemic hit. And Biden has paid a price in the polls, in which voters have regularly given Trump an overwhelming edge. So expect Trump to unload on Biden when it comes to inflation.

But Biden is likely to counter that a second Trump term could pour more gasoline on a so-far subsiding inflation fire. This week, 16 Nobel Prize-winning economists warned that Trump's goals — such as lower taxes on corporations, jacked-up tariffs on imported goods from trade partners and a Federal Reserve chair who favors low interest rates — would create more affordability problems for Americans.

Indeed, the Biden campaign has already seized on the economists' missive this week: "Top economists, Nobel Prize winners, and business leaders all know America can’t afford Trump’s dangerous economic agenda."

More inflation data is due tomorrow morning, by the way. The personal consumption expenditures price index, the Federal Reserve's preferred measure of inflation, hits at 8:30 a.m. ET.

Double hater: Trump and Biden haven't addressed homelessness

Reporting from a debate watch party in Phoenix

Jillian Wilson, 30, who hates both candidates and worries tonight’s debate will be a “hot mess,” said she hopes Biden and Trump discuss the issues affecting her community in Phoenix.

“I hope they talk about the cost of living and homelessness,” Wilson said.

“Here in Phoenix, you see people laying on the ground in front of the buildings, in front of businesses, at the train stop, at the bus stops. It’s too hot for people to just be on the streets out here,” she said on a 106-degree day in the Arizona capital.

Wilson is disgruntled that she hasn’t heard from Biden and Trump about their plans to tackle the homelessness crisis.

“I don’t think they talk about it at all,” she said.

Corey Lewandowski: Trump won’t let Biden trigger him

Sahil Kapur

Reporting from the debate in Atlanta

Longtime adviser Corey Lewandowski, who flew with Trump to the debate, said moments before it began that the ex-president won’t let Biden get inside his head and provoke him, as NBC News has reported he will try to do .

“It reminds me of Tom Brady at the Super Bowl," Lewandowski told NBC News. "The other teams always think they’re going to get in his head — they’re going to do some trick play and they’re going to get to him — but the greats always play great. And tonight is a night that’s a big game night, and Donald Trump is ready for it."

“I don’t think there’s anything that Joe Biden could do or say there’s going to throw Donald Trump off his game," he added.

Elise Stefanik posts photo with some rumored running mate contenders — with one notable exception

Alec Hernández

House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., posted a photo on her X account moments ago, showing a gaggle of close Trump allies and potential vice presidential running mate contenders gathered in Atlanta ahead of tonight’s debate. 

Visible toward the center of the group is former GOP Sen. Kelly Loeffler of Georgia, who is hosting a watch party fundraiser tonight.

One notable absence from the picture: Burgum. The governor is however expected to be in the spin room tonight on behalf of the Trump campaign. 

Expect Black unemployment to come up tonight

Atlanta is a bastion of Black entrepreneurship and culture , so expect Trump to use his economic pitch to keep up his attempts to pick off Black voters , who traditionally vote overwhelmingly for Democrats.

Under Trump, the Black unemployment rate fell from 7.5% when he took office in January 2017 to 5.3% in the late summer of 2019, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics . That was months before Covid forced millions out of work — disproportionately affecting Black workers.

Biden, meanwhile, can point to the fact that Black unemployment fell to an all-time low of 4.8% in April 2023 after having been as high as 10.2% in April 2021, according to the BLS. The rate has since ticked up, however, to 6.1% last month.

Biden could claim another win, as well. During his administration, as he has routinely pushed for good-paying union jobs, Black union membership rose to 2.26 million as of 2023, according to the BLS. The figure stood at 2.21 million during Trump's first year in office, 2017, and fell during his tenure to 2.06 million in 2020.

Vivek Ramaswamy: Trump ‘has not asked me to be his vice president’

Lindsey Pipia

Zoë Richards

Former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy said tonight that Trump has not asked him be his running mate .

"We’ve had a lot of conversations about the future. He has not asked me to be his vice president," Ramaswamy said. "Whoever he asks is going to have, I think, a remarkable ability to serve this country and taking that America First agenda even further."

Double hater: Trump's a 'loudmouth' and Biden won't realize if his mic's off

Denise Lewis, 57, is a double hater from Scottsdale, Arizona, who’s leaning toward writing her own name in come November.

Lewis doesn’t believe CNN’s mute button will have any effect on the outcome of the debate.

“He’s [a] loudmouth. You’ll be able to hear him,” Lewis said of Trump.

“You never know. He might walk over and go to Biden’s mic,” she said.

As for Biden, Lewis thinks he might not even realize his mic has been cut.

“Biden’s not going to realize that his mic is turned off, and then he has to stop talking,” she said.

“I think it’s going to be just awful,” she predicted pessimistically.

Former Nikki Haley voters hoping for 'substance' in tonight's debate

The New Hampshire Primary helped solidify Trump’s path to the Republican nomination while also making it clear that many Republican and independent voters were looking for an alternative in Nikki Haley. So what are those New Hampshire Haley voters watching for during the debate tonight?

Eric Garland, of Ebson, says he wants to see “substance, not theatrics.” He added, "If this becomes a circus, like four years ago, pretty sure Haley voters will turn it off."

Garland, who is leaning toward not voting for either Biden or Trump, made it clear he believes Trump could lose the election if he upsets Haley voters this evening. Garland agrees with Trump’s policies but not his character, and he is debating whether to “vote for the lesser of two evils or write in another in protest [vote]."

Dawn Brockett, of Hampton, says she is “looking for one of them to wow me with intelligence, decorum and substance.”

She plans to write someone in. Asked whether Trump or Biden can do anything to change her mind tonight, she said: “My mind is made up. I don’t like either candidate. The debate, for me, is an opportunity for one of them to talk to me and change my mind. I am doubtful that will happen.”

ChatGPT and Microsoft’s Copilot repeat false debate claim

Two of the most popular generative AI products, OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Microsoft’s Copilot, regurgitated false information about tonight's debate just hours after it first appeared online and  was debunked .

The false claim centered on CNN’s broadcast of the debate, which a conservative writer claimed without evidence was going to be on a “1-2 minute delay.” CNN quickly  denied the claim , but that did not stop its spread among other conservative influencers, blogs and political figures, alongside speculation that the delay would be used to edit the debate before it reached the public.

Read the full story here.

Biden campaign tops best hour of fundraising — one hour later

Monica Alba

The 6-to-7 p.m. hour was the Biden campaign's best grassroots fundraising hour of the 2024 campaign — besting the 5-to-6 p.m. hour, which had been the record hour for grassroots fundraising, according to a campaign official.

The hour-by-hour fundraising updates from the Biden campaign come as Trump's campaign has experienced a windfall of grassroots donations recently , particularly since Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts in New York last month.

The Gavin Newsom show arrives

Natasha Korecki

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a top Biden surrogate, held court in the spin room before tonight’s debate, chasing away disparagements of Biden and unleashing a series of criticisms of Trump.

“This has an impact around the globe. This is about electing the leader of the free world. America matters. It’s about our moral authority, not just our formal authority,” Newsom said.

“You got someone that brings a moral voice in the work as president and someone that did just the opposite and has no moral compass whatsoever,” he added.

Newsom answered questions for so long that his spokeswoman tried to cut the Q&A session off five times. Finally, on the sixth warning, Newsom walked away.

Top Biden official explains why campaign bucked bipartisan debate committee

Michael Tyler, the Biden campaign's communications director, told NBC News that the campaign had a number of "issues" with the bipartisan Commission on Presidential Debat e, explaining why it agreed to pull out of the compact, which has hosted every presidential debate since 1988.

Tyler told NBC News Now that the main grievances included that Americans wouldn't have "the opportunity to hear from the candidates before they actually cast their ballots," because the CPD debates didn't begin until after early voting windows opened in some states.

Tyler also panned previous debates as "spectacles," specifically accusing Trump of showing up to the first debate in 2020 "with Covid, trying to interrupt the president [Biden], trying to use these like a spectacle."

Trump revealed shortly after the first debate in 2020 that he had tested positive for Covid. Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows wrote in his book that Trump tested positive three days before the debate but subsequently tested negative, which Trump called "fake news" in a 2021 statement.

Biden and Trump agreed to two debates this cycle, pulling the rug out from under the bipartisan CPD and making tonight's debate the first general election presidential debate not to be conducted by the body in 40 years.

Why Kennedy isn’t on the stage tonight

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is spending debate night doing his own thing on X (formerly known as Twitter) instead of onstage with Trump and Biden.

Why? Because the independent presidential hopeful fell short of the criteria CNN established for the event, which mainly required candidates to prove they had ballot access in enough states to mathematically win the presidency and to hit 15% in at least four polls recognized by the network.

Kennedy fell one poll and more than 100 electoral votes short, although he could have a better chance to make ABC's debate in September if he doesn't suffer any ballot access setbacks and can secure enough support in the polls. (Other candidates were even further from making the debate than Kennedy was.)

While Kennedy has cried foul and sought to petition the Federal Election Commission to intervene, he finds himself on the outside looking in tonight.

Biden campaign has its best hour of fundraising

The 5-to-6 p.m. hour before the start of the debate was the “best fundraising hour of the entire campaign,” a Biden campaign official told NBC News.

It raised more money during that hour than any other, including during its launch, Biden’s State of the Union speech this year and the Trump verdict, the official said.

The source argued that it validates the campaign’s belief that many voters, including likely Biden supporters, have yet to fully engage with the campaign.

Biden campaign communications director to accompany him on the trail

Kelly O'Donnell

The Biden campaign's communications director, Michael Tyler, will travel on Air Force One alongside the president as he hits the campaign trail after the debate, the campaign told NBC News.

By deploying campaign staffers to travel with Biden, the Biden-Harris team expects to fill an information gap because “as we get closer to the election, more and more daily conversation is around the election and the politics of the campaign.” 

According to Biden campaign aides, this updated communications strategy will happen with a “regular cadence” but not a set schedule, “as the president is doing more political travel and when it makes sense.” A “rotation” of campaign communicators will participate.

Under a law known as the Hatch Act, federal employees are not permitted to carry out campaign work, including discussing the politics of the election. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who typically flies with Biden on Air Force One and Marine One, is barred from discussing campaign issues as a federal worker. Having Tyler travel with Biden will allow the campaign to answer questions directly while Jean-Pierre handles matters involving the administration's official business.

Costs for the use of Air Force One, such as airfare, meals and expenses in using government-owned aircraft, will be paid by the Biden-Harris campaign to relieve taxpayers, campaign officials said.

Biden has the chance to be the first Democrat to confront Trump over Jan. 6

Allan Smith

Trump is likely to be confronted for the first time by an elected Democrat over the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol and his role in it when he squares off with Biden.

It wouldn't be the first time he has been pressed about the matter, given that he has dealt with questions from reporters. But Trump hasn't had to deal with a political opponent confronting him face to face on the subject.

Given that Jan. 6 and Trump's effort to overturn the 2020 election are at the center of Biden's campaign messaging, it's likely the president will raise the issue early and often.

Trump avoided an earlier potential direct confrontation over Jan. 6 when he defied a subpoena issued by the House Jan. 6 committee. He has been indicted by special counsel Jack Smith over his role in the efforts to overturn the 2020 election that culminated in the Jan. 6 attack; he pleaded not guilty, but that case has yet to go to trial.

No Biden signs in spin room

Gabe Gutierrez

The Biden campaign plans to forgo the typical postdebate spin room free-for-all by ditching the traditional cardboard signs used to identify surrogates and by also cutting down on their speaking time.

A campaign official says the plan is to send in a team of its top surrogates to deliver brief statements and take just a few questions before they leave. They’ll stand as a group and speak one at a time. 

The goal is to focus on substance and not spectacle, the official said.

'Double hater' predicts ‘hot mess’

A Phoenix woman who could be considered a “double hater” because of her frustration with both major-party choices in the presidential election predicted “a hot mess” at tonight’s debate, telling NBC News she hopes the candidates stick to issues rather than lean into personal attacks. 

“Like, what about what you’re doing for the people? I don’t care about you guys as gossips between each other,” Jillian Wilson, 30, said.

Wilson also described Biden as “tired” and “not being all the way there” and Trump as “off the wall,” anticipating that he would be “basically saying a whole bunch of nothing.”

Tonight's debate the first in 40 years not sponsored by Commission on Presidential Debates

Why is tonight different from all other nights? For starters, this will be the first presidential general election debate since the 1984 presidential cycle not sponsored by the bipartisan Commission on Presidential Debates.

While the first televised presidential debate took place during the 1960 election, there were none during the next three presidential races. So after three more cycles when debate negotiations were left up to the campaigns themselves, the CPD took the reins of the debate process in 1988, according to a history published by the group . The goal was to take the negotiations out of the hands of the campaigns, guaranteeing the American people would see debates and farming out the discussion about the rules and criteria to the commission.

But both the Biden and Trump camps soured on the CPD after the last cycle — the Republican National Committee withdrew from the debates in 2022 and accused it of bias, and the two sides ultimately agreed to debates this cycle not sanctioned by the CPD .

The CPD has defended its role in the process, and it initially announced it would move forward with its plans to hold four debates as planned. But Monday, the CPD said it would release the four college campuses that were picked to hold its debates from their contracts.

Here's whom the Biden campaign will host in the postdebate spin room

The Biden campaign is planning for more than a dozen campaign officials and surrogates to represent the president's re-election bid in the spin room after the debate.

Biden surrogates in the spin room will include Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas; Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga.; and California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

"Not only are these leaders some of the most effective, trusted voices on the President’s agenda, they also represent our broad, diverse coalition — and will help make sure our message gets to the voters who will decide this election," said Biden communications director Michael Tyler in a statement.

Mary Trump, the former president’s niece, will also be in the spin room. She has forcefully denounced her uncle, saying he “cannot be trusted.”

In a first, the campaign will also host a handful of content creators and influencers.

Top Biden campaign officials will be in the spin room, including Tyler, Quentin Fulks and Rob Flaherty.

Biden posts pictures with supporters ahead of debate

The president posted photos on X of him meeting with supporters before tonight's debate.

Suspect in Arizona election center theft is also a suspect in a burglary at the Arizona State Capitol

The Arizona Department of Public Safety said the temporary election worker  connected to the theft of a key and a fob from a Maricopa County tabulation and election center is also the suspect in a burglary at the Arizona State Capitol. The suspect, Walter Alphonso Jamel Ringfield Jr., was arrested June 21.

At a news conference Tuesday, county Board of Supervisors member Bill Gates and Sheriff Russ Skinner provided new details about the alleged theft of a key and a fob from a ballot tabulation center last week. 

The new conference laid out the timeline: The key, the fob and a lanyard were taken from the tabulation center on June 20, and Ringfield was arrested after it became clear that the key and the fob had disappeared and security camera video was examined. 

They said Tuesday that they had yet to identify a motive and that while there’s no evidence the theft was politically motivated, they’re not ruling it out. No one other than Ringfield has been identified in connection with the case. 

In a response to NBC News’ question Tuesday about the potential for the theft to spur a new wave of Maricopa County election-related conspiracies, Gates responded: “We have been subjected to many conspiracy theories over the past few years, which had been debunked time and time again. I certainly hope that people don’t take this incident to spin up new conspiracy theories.” 

Mary Trump: Biden is 'the best president of my lifetime'

Vaughn Hillyard

The former president's niece, Mary Trump, told NBC News that she believes Biden is "the best president of my lifetime" when she was asked why she is attending the debate.

Mary Trump is joining the Biden campaign in the postdebate spin room.

Biden "had to do so much just to make up for all the egregious assaults on America that my uncle committed, and Donald Trump should never be allowed near the levers of power ever again," she said. "And I just want to do my part.”

Trump exits plane with plenty of advisers but no family

Jake Traylor

Trump got off his plane around 5:36 p.m. ET, walking down the steps to cheers from his supporters on the ground. He pointed and pumped his fist and then walked to his car — not stopping to make remarks or take questions from reporters.

No other people walked off the plane’s front steps behind Trump. Exiting by the back steps were 2016 campaign manager Corey Lewandowski, longtime adviser Dan Scavino, adviser and RNC official Chris LaCivita, senior campaign adviser Susie Wile, campaign adviser Jason Miller, communications aide Margo Martin, Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, spokesman Steven Cheung, political director James Blair and deputy campaign manager David Bossie.

NBC News did not spot any of Trump's family members or rumored running mate contenders getting off the plane with him. The motorcade started rolling at 5:38 p.m. ET.

Trump lands in Georgia, briefly greets supporters

Trump exited his plane shortly after 5:30 p.m. ET to the cheers of supporters.

He pumped his fist a few times as supporters chanted his name.

The former president then entered his motorcade.

Steven Cheung, Jason Miller, Susie Wiles, Chris LaCivita and other senior officials exited the plane. Trump's 2016 campaign manager Corey Lewandowski and Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., were also seen getting off the plane.

Will Biden call Trump a felon onstage? Top campaign official says: 'If the shoe fits'

Biden may refer to Trump as a "convicted felon" onstage tonight, Cedric Richmond, a co-chair of Biden’s re-election campaign, told Hallie Jackson in an interview on "NBC Nightly News."

"I don’t think he’s going to gratuitously throw it out there," Richmond said. "He’s called Donald Trump a felon before, so I don’t think that he wouldn’t do it. And if the shoe fits, you wear it, and former President Trump is a convicted felon."

Tune in to NBC Nightly News at 6:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. CT for more (or check local listings).

Debate spin room to include top VP contenders for Trump

Some of the top contenders to join Trump on the GOP ticket this fall will be in the spin room after tonight's debate: Burgum, Rubio, Vance and Scott.

NBC News has reported that Trump is focused on Burgum, Vance and Rubio as a potential running mate.

Others in the spin room for Trump will include campaign senior advisers Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles, as well as Stephen Miller, a White House adviser during the Trump administration.

Trump arrives in Atlanta ahead of the debate

Trump's plane has touched down in Atlanta. His plane was greeted by cheering fans decked out in MAGA gear.

Melania Trump's former chief of staff says it would be 'very surprising' if she doesn't attend

Peter Nicholas

It's unclear whether former first lady Melania Trump will attend the debate.

Her former New Jersey chief of staff, Stephanie Grisham, told NBC News today that it would be "very surprising if she didn't attend."

"While Melania can be scarce for regular campaign events, she knows the importance (and significance) of being supportive as a spouse by attending events such as a presidential debate," Grisham said in a text message.

Kristen Welker: 5 things to watch for in the first 2024 presidential debate

Kristen Welker

The first 2024 debate between Biden and Trump will provide plenty of moments of opportunity and potential peril for both candidates. As the moderator of Biden and Trump’s last debate, I will be watching for some particular exchanges that could sway the small group of undecided voters who will be decisive in the election.

I’ll also be looking for how the rules of tonight’s debate affect how their performances appear to voters and whether that setup introduces new opportunities or perils for them. The decision to completely mute the candidates’ microphones when the other is talking, for instance, is a shift from the first 2020 debate, when insults and interruptions dominated.

Partygoers near debate hall rally to 'Make America DRUNK Again'

Reporting from Atlanta

The Biden-Trump debate hall is right next to a frat house, where they are partying under a sign that reads “Make America DRUNK Again.”

Trump's niece says 'he must be stopped'

Nnamdi Egwuonwu

The former president's niece, Mary Trump, slammed her uncle in a statement, saying she has seen his "narcissism and cruelty" her whole life.

"I’m in Atlanta tonight to remind everyone who Donald is as a person and how he would rule as a president because the stakes are far too high for us to get this wrong: We cannot afford to allow Donald Trump anywhere near the levers of power again," she said.

Mary Trump will join the Biden campaign in the spin room after the debate.

She said Trump is "desperate for power" and wants to regain it "purely for his own benefit."

"He must be stopped," she said.

Jill Biden lands in Georgia ahead of debate

Sydney Carruth Sydney Carruth is a digital assistant for NBC News.

Caryn Littler

First lady Jill Biden touched down at Dobbins Air Force Base in Marietta this afternoon less than five hours before her husband is scheduled to debate Trump in Atlanta. She was greeted in Marietta by a group that included Fulton County Board of Commissioners Chair Robb Pitts; Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens; former state Sen. Jason Carter, the grandson of former President Jimmy Carter; and Cobb County of Commissioners Chair Lisa Cupid.

House Republicans advance contempt resolution for Biden's ghostwriter

The House Judiciary Committee voted this afternoon in support of a resolution that would hold Biden's ghostwriter in contempt of Congress for refusing to hand over documents and other materials tied to his work on the president's memoirs.

The GOP-led panel advanced the measure targeting Mark Zwonitzer in a party-line vote. The next step would be the House floor, where it must be approved before it can be sent to the Justice Department for further action.

The committee said it had first requested documents and communications related to Biden’s memoirs — “Promise Me, Dad” and “Promises to Keep” — in February, days after special counsel Robert Hur released his report  declining to recommend charges against Biden  over his handling of classified documents. The committee in March issued a subpoena that the panel said was challenged by Zwonitzer’s attorney.

Fact-check: Is there a lengthy delay on tonight’s debate?

On social media and right-wing blogs, the claim that tonight’s debate will be broadcast on a “1-2 minute delay” has been viewed millions of times and shared among influential conservative accounts, including by the former president's oldest son,  Donald Trump Jr . The claim has been accompanied by conspiracy theories that the broadcast would be edited to the advantage or disadvantage of one candidate.

“BREAKING: CNN will implement a 1-2 minute delay for tonight’s presidential debate instead of the standard 7-second delay, potentially allowing time to edit parts of the broadcast,” conservative X personality Patrick Webb wrote in a viral post that has over 1 million views. Post on X

CNN spokesperson Emily Kuhn said no intentional delay will be programmed into the tonight’s debate.

Delays are sometimes intentionally introduced to programming that’s billed as “live,” such as some award-shows, but there is no consistent standard practice across network. A “7-second delay” is common on live TV programming, but CNN insists none will be used in this debate.

Trump criticizes CNN ahead of the debate

Trump criticized CNN yesterday afternoon when he was asked during a roundtable event whether he thought he would get a fair shot from debate moderators tonight.

"Well, I think you’re looking good for them if they did it. I think probably not," Trump said, adding, "So, am I going to get a fair — probably not — but it would be very good for CNN."

He said he thought "it’d be very good for CNN, actually, in terms of its credibility.”

He called into the roundtable, which his campaign hosted in Atlanta.

Biden, Trump campaigns recruiting rappers to support them

Rebecca Shabad

Both major presidential campaigns are recruiting rappers to support them. As first reported by The Shade Room, rappers Fat Joe and E-40 will join Biden and first lady Jill Biden at their postdebate campaign rally in Raleigh, North Carolina, tomorrow.

The Trump campaign, meanwhile, has  been enlisting rappers  to attend its events in battleground states as it seeks to win over more Black voters.

Biden greets supporters in Atlanta

Biden has arrived in Atlanta for tonight's debate. He stopped outside and shook hands with supporters who were gathered on an Atlanta street outside the hotel where he is staying.

Trump skips traditional debate preparations

Hallie Jackson

Dasha Burns

With just hours left until he faces Biden on the debate stage, sources close to Trump told NBC News he remains “confident and relaxed” and expects to emerge victorious this evening so long as "CNN doesn't put their thumb on the scale."

Rather than stage mock debate rehearsals, like the ones Biden has been holding at Camp David, Maryland, for the last week, Trump advisers have said he prefers to prepare in informal settings with aides.

They said Trump frequently makes his case at rallies, fundraisers and other events on the campaign trail. He prefers not to test out his best lines even in informal settings, to avoid sounding rote on the debate stage, sources said.

Trump echoed that sentiment in a Newsmax interview this week , saying, “I think I’ve been preparing for it for my whole life, if you want to know the truth, and I’m not sure you can lock yourself into a room for two weeks or one week or two days and really learn what you have to know.”

Trump's mystery running mate expected to attend the debate, but unclear if Melania Trump will be there

At a campaign stop in Philadelphia on Saturday, Trump told NBC News he has already decided on his vice presidential running mate pick. That person will be at the debate in Atlanta tonight, according to Trump.

Sources close to some of Trump’s top vice presidential contenders — North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and Sens. JD Vance of Ohio and Marco Rubio of Florida — have confirmed they will attend the debate, but none has been spotted at the debate campus in Atlanta as of this afternoon.

It remains unclear whether Trump’s wife, Melania Trump, will be there. The former first lady has not campaigned alongside her husband yet this year.

First lady Jill Biden, who has been a consistent presence on the Biden campaign trail this season, will greet her husband onstage once the debate concludes.

Donald Trump Jr. will not attend because of a family commitment involving his oldest daughter, according to a source familiar with his plans. Eric Trump is not expected to be in Atlanta for the debate, but his wife, Lara Trump, will attend in her official capacity as Republican National Committee co-chair. 

The RNC is hosting a watch party fundraiser in Atlanta because the debate is being held in a closed studio.

Sen. Bob Menendez files with FEC as an independent candidate

Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey, who is embroiled in a federal trial on bribery charges, filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission today to run for the Senate as an independent after he opted out of competing in the state's Democratic Senate primary this month.

In November, Menendez will face off against Rep. Andy Kim, who won the Democratic Senate primary , and Republican nominee Curtis Bashaw.

RFK Jr. super PAC takes over X ahead of debate

A super PAC aligned with Robert F. Kennedy Jr . is promoting the long-shot presidential candidate in prime internet real estate ahead of tonight's debate.

On X Thursday, super PAC American Values 2024 bought out one of the platform's biggest advertising slots, blasting out ads to many users on their "For you" and "trending" pages promoting Kennedy.

In an ad running at the top of X's "For you" page, a video shows Kennedy smiling along with text reading "Robert F Kennedy Jr is running for president... Robert F. Kennedy Jr will be on the ballot... Robert F Kennedy Jr will win... join the rebellion."

Kennedy failed to qualify for tonight's debate and will stream his own counterprogramming on X at the same time as the event, which he is billing as "#TheRealDebate."

X and its owner, Elon Musk, have courted conservative and fringe political figures, promoting their content and trying to get them to use the platform during pivotal moments.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis made a disastrous livestream announcement on X with Musk in May 2023, but that hasn't stopped others from signing onto arrangements with the platform. Last month, Musk said Kennedy and Trump would both appear in town hall-style events livestreamed on X.

While Musk and X have leaned into politics, other major tech platforms have tried to move away from promoting political content. In March, Meta's Instagram and Threads began limiting users' exposure to political content unless they opted out.

Ex-Rep. Adam Kinzinger, a vocal GOP critic of Trump’s, endorses Biden ahead of debate

Reporting from Washington

Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, the Illinois Republican who forcefully repudiated then-President Donald Trump after the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, yesterday endorsed Democratic President Joe Biden, blasting Trump as a “direct threat to every fundamental American value.”

Kinzinger endorsed Biden one day before he and Trump square off in Atlanta in their first 2024 presidential debate. The Biden campaign hopes that the endorsement helps him win over moderate Republicans who feel alienated by Trump.

In a  video message , Kinzinger, an Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran, said his life has been guided by the belief that America is a beacon of freedom. “So while I certainly don’t agree with President Biden on everything, and I never thought I’d be endorsing a Democrat for president, I know that he will always protect the very thing that makes America the best country in the world: our democracy,” he said.

Trump expected to do final debate brush-up with advisers on flight to Atlanta

Jonathan Allen

Trump is expected to do a final brush-up with top advisers Susie Wiles, Chris LaCivita and Jason Miller on his flight from Palm Beach to Atlanta this afternoon, according to a person familiar with the plan.

He is “confident and relaxed,” this person said, and expects to be victorious in a contrast of records and visions “if CNN doesn’t put their thumb on the scale.”

Meanwhile, Trump shared a video montage on his Truth Social account this afternoon showing headlines accusing Biden of lying because of comments he's made in the past like suggesting he was "raised in the Black church" or "raised in the Puerto Rican community."

Trump has continued to spread falsehoods on the campaign trail, such as his false claim that he won the 2020 presidential election.

Melania Trump's plans for the debate remain unclear

It is still not clear if former first lady Melania Trump will join Trump at the debate in Atlanta. The campaign has remained mum for several days about her plans — as it has about her role, generally, in the campaign.

First lady Jill Biden, on the other hand, is expected to watch the debate on site in a hold room and then will likely appear alongside her husband at the end of the event, according to two officials with knowledge of her plans. They stress this is the working plan, as of now, but note CNN will ultimately direct the run of the show tonight. From there, the president and first lady will go to a watch party nearby, before flying to Raleigh overnight.

She posted on Instagram today, "The school year is over, the grades are in, and the campaign is kicking into high gear. My summer plans: heading out on the road to talk to voters about all the great work @joebiden is doing. I’ll be posting a lot more going forward. Follow along and let’s win this thing!"

As far as Melania Trump, she has not appeared on the campaign trail with the former president during his third presidential bid — outside of voting alongside him in March at a Florida polling location, where, when asked about her campaigning intentions in the future, she said: “Stay tuned.”

She also did not attend any of his civil or criminal trials in New York, nor any of his multiple Mar-a-Lago and Bedminster speeches following his four criminal indictments.

There have been multiple times that the two have been privately seen together, including at Mar-a-Lago for a reception this year for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and, of course, Barron Trump’s high school graduation. 

We watched 19 Trump and Biden debate performances. Here’s what to expect Thursday.

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump will face off tonight in the first debate of the 2024 presidential election, but the two will be well familiar with each other’s tactics and styles. 

In the 2020 election, the two men twice debated each other — with a third canceled after Trump contracted Covid. The first was a raucous affair that featured Trump’s constant interruptions and Biden labeling him a “clown” and a “liar,” and the second was a far more subdued event.  

In the run-up to tonight’s debate, it’s been clear that they are anticipating a foe they know well. Trump has made sure to  raise expectations for Biden , while the president and his team have been strategizing on ways to  get under Trump’s skin . 

DNC targets Trump VP contenders on debate day

As Trump allies descend on Georgia ahead of tonight’s debate, the DNC is pre-emptively taking aim at the former president’s slate of potential running mates and their fealty to him as they work to join the Republican ticket.

In a new messaging memo first reviewed by NBC News, the DNC will seek to highlight how the vice presidential hopefuls align with Trump on “election denialism, whitewashing the violence on January 6, and anti-democracy rhetoric” in what they are calling the “MAGA veepstakes litmus test.”

Top vice presidential contenders — including Rubio, Burgum and Vance — are set to attend a debate watch party fundraiser in Atlanta, according to an invite obtained by NBC News.

“Donald Trump’s potential running mates are humiliating themselves in Atlanta tonight for one reason: to prove to Trump that they will put his failed agenda, his deranged commands, and his MAGA extremism over the American people,” DNC spokesperson Alex Floyd wrote in a statement.

Trump has publicly signaled that he will announce his pick around the time of the mid-July Republican convention in Milwaukee, but his choice could be revealed as early as this week according to four people familiar with the matter.

It’s not just a protest vote: Why fed-up Georgia voters are looking beyond Biden and Trump ahead of the debate

A new focus group of Georgia voters who are seriously considering a third-party candidate this fall reveals how some of Biden’s and Trump’s onetime supporters in the key battleground are slipping away — and what, if anything, they can do to win them back.

Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was the clear favorite among the participants in an NBC News Deciders Focus Group, produced in collaboration with  Engagious ,  Syracuse University  and  Sago . While all 10 voters voted for either Biden or Trump in 2020, none said they plan to do so again: Seven back Kennedy, two back independent professor and activist Cornel West, and one backs Libertarian Party nominee Chase Oliver.

As Trump and Biden head to Atlanta, the city's small business owners are divided

J.J. McCorvey

Entrepreneurs in Atlanta ranged the state of their businesses from "outstanding" to just "OK" in interviews with NBC News about their perception o f the economy and what they're expecting to listen in tonight's debate.

The swing state is in the midst of a multiyear startup boom, and some founders give the Biden administration credit for supporting it.

"The legislation happened. It's meaningful," Gathering Spot CEO Ryan Wilson said of Inflation Reduction Act programs and other White House policies to boost entrepreneurs. But the head of the members-only networking space, which is in process of expanding to a fourth city, worries about disinformation affecting the 2024 vote.

Like other Atlanta business owners, Wilson sees the stakes of November's election as going beyond his bottom line.

Deonte Atkins, who opened an acai bowl spot in Midtown Atlanta six months ago, is more focused on foreign policy and sees Trump as the lesser of "two evils." He's concerned about U.S. involvement in conflicts in Israel and Ukraine, and said, "For me as an entrepreneur, I want to not experience a war for me or my kids."

Branding agency chief Molly Dickinson doesn't see her support for Democrats, which is driven by concern for reproductive rights, as separate from her role as an entrepreneur.

"Social issues are business issues," she said.

Read more here.

Biden campaign co-chair on Trump: 'If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, it’s a duck. He’s a convicted felon.'

Elleiana Green Elleiana Green is a Digital Politics intern with NBC News

Ghael Fobes

Biden campaign co-chair Cedric Richmond sat down for an interview with CNN to discuss what Americans can expect from President Joe Biden ahead of tonight's presidential debate.

Asked whether Biden will shake Trump's hand at tonight's debate, he said, "I don't think I would, but President Biden has consistently, he rises above the pettiness."

Richmond was later asked if Biden would call Trump a convicted felon on stage, to which he responded, "Well, he has before, and look, if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, it’s a duck. He’s a convicted felon."

N.C. denies initial ballot access to RFK Jr. and Cornel West

Alex Seitz-Wald

North Carolina’s Board of Elections last night voted against giving ballot access to new parties supporting presidential candidates  Robert F. Kennedy Jr.  and  Cornel West , though the decision is not final and will be revisited before the November election in the key battleground state.

The decision split the board along party lines, with the three-member Democratic majority voting to keep West and Kennedy off the ballot “for now,” while the two Republican commissioners said they were “disappointed” by the process.

Chairman Alan Hirsch said more investigation is needed to “look at petition-gathers who have been problematic” and to examine other concerns before making a final decision.

In a virtual meeting , commissioners discussed an NBC News report that showed out-of-state operatives with a GOP firm were secretly collecting signatures for West, a left-wing academic, in an apparent attempt to “take away votes from Joe Biden,” as one petition-gatherer told attendees outside a planned rally for former President Donald Trump.

Biden-Harris campaign releases TV spot on emergency health care for women

The Biden-Harris campaign released a new spot highlighting the fight for women's access to emergency health care. It comes after the Supreme Court on Thursday sidestepped ruling on emergency room abortion access in Idaho .

In the video, Dr. Lauren Miller, a high-risk obstetrician who was forced to leave Idaho, says, "In a medical emergency, seconds matter. When you’re the only person in the emergency room at 2 in the morning, and someone comes in hemorrhaging, and they are pregnant, you’re responsible."

Miller blames Trump for the reversal of Roe v. Wade two years ago and says women's lives are now at risk because of abortion bans.

"Physicians could be tried with a felony for saving that woman’s life too early. The penalties are so severe; felony, imprisonment, loss of license, those are terrifying things," she says in the ad. "These laws are truly barbaric. They are putting us back decades, if not centuries. Donald Trump did this. He put women’s lives in danger."

She added that Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will "protect our fundamental rights."

Here’s what veteran political strategists think Biden should do during tonight’s debate

It’s doubtful that Biden needs any more advice ahead of tonight’s debate.

He's been holed up at Camp David for days, rehearsing prepared lines and talking debate strategy with some of the most seasoned political strategists in the business.

Just in case he’s not fully satisfied with what he’s heard so far — or if he’s still in the market for some well-intentioned guidance — we’ve compiled a few thoughts from Democratic operatives and former officials who’ve been involved in presidential debates going back decades.

Here's what they had to offer during interviews with NBC News:

  James Carville, mastermind of Bill Clinton’s 1992 White House victory

“There are certain rules that they [candidates] always forget. The camera is always f------ on you. Don’t grimace. Don’t wince. Don’t shake your head.”

Biden and Trump will have a blank pad and a pen at the lecterns. Forget about frantically scribbling notes. “Just write down: ‘Keep your cool. Keep your cool. Keep your cool.’”

Biden’s age and fitness will inevitably come up at some point during the debate. What should Biden say in reply? “‘It’s no doubt that I’ll be 82. By the way, I want to wish my opponent happy birthday. He recently made 78!'”

Philippe Reines, who played the part of Trump during Hillary Clinton’s debate rehearsals in 2016:

If Trump insults Biden, the president shouldn’t hesitate to fire back.

“Any moment he [Biden] is showing spunk in him is a good moment.”

“Trump will be singlehandedly responsible for bringing the life in Joe Biden that certainly Democrats want to see and, beyond that, people are dying to see.”

How should Biden field questions about his acumen? He could tell Trump: “Neither of us would probably do well on 'Jeopardy.'”

Biden should invoke the cognition test that Trump claims to have “aced,” in this fashion: “Why not take an immigration test? You wouldn’t get half as many answer right as the people you’re trying to keep out!”

Jennifer Palmieri, senior adviser in Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign:

If Trump stays disciplined and doesn’t try to repeatedly interrupt, Biden should seize the chance to drive home his core message.

Biden should “forcefully make clear to people the threat that he [Trump] is.”

Biden can argue that Trump “owns every abortion ban in the country,” and that Trump, “by not accepting the results of the 2020 election and not accepting the result of a fair trial in New York, is a fundamental threat to democracy.”

Dan Quayle, former Republican vice president under George H.W. Bush:

Quayle said the stakes in the debate are higher for Biden than for Trump. If Biden flubs the debate, that could potentially spawn a movement to replace him on the ticket, he said.

“If he [Biden] has a bad night, a lot of my Democrat friends will be silently thankful for that, because they’ll see a real opportunity for Joe to step aside. Quite frankly, if you put up a sensible Democrat, a fresh new face, Trump has real challenges in my view.”

Jim Messina, Barack Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign manager:

Messina’s hope is that during debate prep, Biden’s advisers had him watch his own State of the Union speech in March. Biden received largely strong reviews for an energetic performance.

“I’m not a big believer in making candidates be something they’re not. I just want him to be Joe Biden and the best I’ve seen him is in that speech.”

In new video, Biden campaign pits Trump against his former allies

Biden’s campaign is aiming to use the words of Trump’s former aides against him in a new video it plans to release ahead of tonight’s debate, according to a Biden aide who first shared the details with NBC News.

The 35-second  montage , titled “Unfit,” features the voices of Trump’s former vice president, defense secretary, chairman of the joint chiefs, national security adviser and communications director raising doubts about his fitness for office and using descriptions like “wannabe dictator” and “dangerous.”

The video features Mike Pence, Trump’s 2016 running mate who ran against him this cycle, saying earlier this year: “I cannot in good conscience endorse Donald Trump.”

Later, John Bolton, who served in Trump’s White House, is shown saying, “Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong Un, they’re fully prepared to take advantage of him.”

The Biden team expects this to be a theme the president introduces on stage tonight in Atlanta, where the president will likely argue that Trump is a “threat to democracy,” as former Defense Secretary Mark Esper says in the new video.

Additionally, the Biden campaign rolled out a seven-figure ad blitz today that it hopes will amplify a “stark contrast” message overall to voters in battleground states.

“If the people who know Donald Trump best can’t trust him, neither can the American people. He encouraged a violent mob to overturn a free and fair election,” Biden campaign communications director Michael Tyler said in a statement. “Americans suffered enough chaos, division, and violence during Trump’s term in office; we cannot afford another Trump presidency.”

Trump continues to support leaving abortion up to states, campaign says

Marlene Lenthang

Following the Supreme Court’s Idaho abortion ruling, Trump’s campaign said he continues to leave abortion stances up to states.

“President Trump has long been consistent in supporting the rights of states to make decisions on abortion,” Trump's national press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, said today. 

“Joe Biden and the Democrats are radically out of touch with the majority of Americans in their support for abortion up until birth and even after birth, and forcing taxpayers to fund it,” Leavitt added. 

Supreme Court signals opinions will stretch into July

Lawrence Hurley Supreme Court reporter

In addition to issuing more rulings tomorrow, the Supreme Court is expected to release more opinions Monday.

As this comes from an update on the court's website and not from the chief justice from the bench, we can assume Monday will not be the final day of rulings.

Biden campaign warns that 'women’s health, lives, and freedoms remain in peril' if Trump rerturns to office

Peter Alexander

A Biden campaign adviser warned that women’s health will remain in danger if Trump returns to office after the Supreme Court decided to sidestep ruling on emergency room abortion access in Idaho .

"Women’s health, lives, and freedoms remain in peril across the country because of Donald Trump," the adviser said.

"Because Trump’s Supreme Court majority overturned Roe v. Wade, women are being turned away from emergency rooms and forced to the brink of death before receiving the care they need," the adviser continued.

The adviser warned that if Trump returns to office, "he and his allies will ban abortion in all 50 states — without the help of Congress or the courts — putting even more women’s lives at risk."

In scathing dissent, Justice Jackson says the Idaho abortion ruling is 'not a victory for pregnant patients'

In a scathing dissent of the Supreme Court's Idaho abortion decision, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson warned that the ruling is "not a victory for pregnant patients" even though it allows emergency abortions for now.

"It is delay," she wrote. "While this Court dawdles and the country waits, pregnant people experiencing emergency medical conditions remain in a precarious position, as their doctors are kept in the dark about what the law requires."

Brown said the high court had the opportunity "to bring clarity and certainty to this tragic situation, and we have squandered it."

"And for as long as we refuse to declare what the law requires, pregnant patients in Idaho, Texas, and elsewhere will be paying the price," she continued. "Because we owe them — and the Nation — an answer to the straightforward pre-emption question presented in these cases, I respectfully dissent."

Supreme Court sidesteps ruling on ER abortion access dispute

Reporting from the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court today sidestepped ruling on whether Idaho’s strict abortion law conflicts with a federal law that requires stabilizing care for emergency room patients, including pregnant women suffering complications who may require abortions.

The court dismissed an appeal brought by Idaho officials, meaning a lower court ruling that allows doctors in the state to perform abortions in emergency situations remains in effect for now.

The decision, which leaves the legal question unresolved and has no impact in other states, was widely expected after the Supreme Court yesterday inadvertently posted a copy online.

Read more about the decision here.

Supreme Court curbs SEC powers to enforce securities laws

The Supreme Court today put new limits on the power of the Securities and Exchange Commission to enforce securities laws — the latest ruling in a series of cases taking aim at federal agencies.

The court ruled 6-3 that adjudication of cases by in-house judges violates the right to trial by jury.

The case is one of several on the docket involving conservative and business-led attacks on the power of federal agencies. The court’s 6-3 conservative majority is often sympathetic to such arguments.

Supreme Court blocks Purdue Pharma opioid settlement

The Supreme Court today blew up the massive bankruptcy reorganization of opioid maker Purdue Pharma, finding that the settlement inappropriately included legal protections for the Sackler family, meaning that billions of dollars secured for victims is now threatened.

The court on a 5-4 vote ruled that the bankruptcy court did not have the authority to release the Sackler family members from legal claims made by opioid victims.

As part of the deal, the family, which controlled the company, had agreed to pay $6 billion that could be used to settle opioid-related claims, but only in return for a complete release from any liability in future cases.

Supreme Court blocks EPA’s interstate air pollution regulation

The Supreme Court today blocked a Biden administration environmental regulation aimed at curbing harmful air pollution that crosses from one state to another and contributes to the formation of smog.

In doing so, the court on a 5-4 vote granted requests from three Republican-led states — Indiana, Ohio and West Virginia — and various affected industries, including natural gas pipeline operators.

Conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett sided with the court’s three liberals in disagreeing with the outcome.

Read more about the decision here .

Supreme Court set to release decisions

The Supreme Court is moments away from releasing decisions — two boxes have been brought into the press room. That volume can traditionally mean as many as six cases — but likely fewer.

Arizona Democratic Senate candidate launches TV ad touting border security with sheriff

Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., is launching a Senate campaign ad presenting himself as a champion of tougher border security while highlighting the endorsement of a local sheriff — an unusual move for a Democrat who is seeking to neutralize a political vulnerability.

The 30-second ad, shared first with NBC News, is narrated by Santa Cruz County Sheriff David Hathaway. It features video of the two of them along the U.S.-Mexico border. The Gallego campaign said it expects to spend seven figures on it across broadcast cable and digital in the Tucson and Phoenix media markets.

“Every day on the border is a challenge. Both parties created it, and neither has the guts to fix it. But Ruben Gallego has stood side by side with me — the only member of Congress that has come regularly to my border,” Hathaway says in the ad. “And he is fighting for solutions, better technology, more manpower, so people like me can do our jobs. He doesn’t care who gets the credit. He’s just focused on what Arizona really needs.”

The ad from Gallego, a Democratic candidate in a key battleground Senate race, highlights the extent to which immigration and the border have become political liabilities for the party.

He is likely to face Republican Kari Lake in the November election for the seat being vacated by independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema. Lake has put immigration at the center of her campaign in the border state,  likening the high volume of asylum-seekers to an “invasion” she blames on Gallego and Biden.

Gallego has countered by citing bills he introduced to overhaul the immigration system and endorsing the bipartisan Senate bill to tighten asylum and border policy, which Republicans opposed after it ran into opposition from Trump.

Trump campaign to air debate ad that mocks Biden's physical stumbles and suggests Harris will take over the presidency

The Trump campaign said it will air two ads in battleground states and Washington, D.C., during the CNN debate, including one that mocks Biden's age and physical incidents and alludes to Vice President Kamala Harris taking over the presidency.

Republicans have continuously attacked Biden’s age, but in the new ad, the Trump campaign leaned into fearmongering around Harris, hoping that her presence will be a drag on the the ticket.

"Do you think the guy who was defeated by the stairs ... got taken down by his bike ... lost a fight with his jacket ... and regularly gets lost ... makes it four more years in the White House?" the ad says.

The 30-second video shows Biden tripping up the stairs of Air Force One and falling from his bike, among other things, but hyperbolizes the incidents, such as baselessly claiming Biden regularly becomes lost.

"And you know who’s waiting behind him, right?" it continues. "Vote Joe Biden today, and Kamala Harris tomorrow. I’m Donald Trump, and I approve this message."

The other ad attacks Biden on his immigration and economic policies, with a narrator saying, "No matter what Joe Biden promised in the debate, ask yourself: Are you financially better off since he became president? Are you and your family safer since he became president? Is our country more secure since he became president?" The narrator concludes, "It’s time to make America prosperous and strong again. Donald Trump for president."

Why presidents often struggle in their first re-election debates — and how Biden is getting ready

Life as the commander in chief   is “in a sort of protected bubble,” says Alan Schroeder, a presidential debate historian. “It’s four years of people saying ‘Mr. President,’” a Democratic strategist put it.

Then comes the first debate of a re-election campaign — when the shock of personal confrontation with a hungry adversary has for decades led presidents to lose or perform poorly in that initial matchup, putting their chances of a second term in doubt.

Georgia GOP Gov. Brian Kemp says he didn't vote for Trump in primary

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp revealed in an interview yesterday that he didn't vote for Trump in the state's GOP primary election. In fact, he said, he didn't vote for anyone for the presidential race.

“I didn’t vote for anybody. I voted, but I didn’t vote for anybody,” Kemp told CNN's “The Source." ”I mean, the race was already over when the primary got here."

Later in the interview, he added, "I always try to go vote and play a part in it. But look, at that point, it didn’t really matter.”

Kemp, who has been attacked by Trump over the governor's refusal to help overturn the 2020 presidential results, indicated that he will support Trump in the general election this November. He said he'll "support the ticket."

Asked if he would campaign with Trump, Kemp said, “We’ll see how the race plays out and what they might ask for or need. But, I mean, like right now, I’m focused on turning the ticket out so we win. I mean, regardless of our history together, I have a vested interest in Georgia remaining in Republican hands."

We watched 19 Trump and Biden debate performances. Here’s what to expect today.

Biden and Trump will face off tonight for their first debate of the 2024 presidential election, but the two will be well familiar with each other’s tactics and styles.

In the 2020 election, the two men twice debated each other — with a third canceled after Trump contracted Covid. The first, a raucous affair that featured Trump’s constant interruptions and Biden labeling him a “clown” and a “liar,” and the second, a far more subdued event as the candidates made their last pitch to the voters.

In the run-up to tonight's debate, it’s been clear that they are anticipating a foe they know well. Trump has made sure to raise expectations for Biden, while the president and his team have been strategizing on ways to get under Trump’s skin.

Here's what Biden is up to before and after the debate

Biden has spent the past several days in Camp David, Maryland, where he prepared for tonight's debate.

He'll depart Maryland in the early afternoon and is set to arrive in Atlanta shortly after 2 p.m. That gives him several hours to finish gearing up for tonight's high-stakes debate, which is set to start at 9 p.m.

Biden and the first lady are scheduled to drop by a campaign event in Atlanta after the debate, as well. From there, they're off to North Carolina, where they will spend the night before a campaign event tomorrow.

Liberal group to run TV ad hitting Supreme Court during debate

The liberal group United for Democracy will run ads on CNN and MSNBC during tonight's debate criticizing the Supreme Court and blaming Trump and his appointees for its rulings.

The 30-second spot features multiple people criticizing the court’s rulings to end the nationwide right to an abortion and to revive the legality of bump stock accessories that make semi-automatic weapons fire bullets more quickly.

The ad opens with a man saying: “I’m worried. The Supreme Court has been captured by right-wing extremists who are taking away our freedoms.” A woman adds: “My daughter was shot and injured on her college campus.”

The ad shows video of Trump and Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett — two of the three justices he appointed who cast essential votes in the abortion and gun cases. A narrator closes with “We cannot let Trump appoint another justice.”

Behind the ad is a political conundrum that Democrats and liberal operatives have lamented: Voters aren’t necessarily blaming Trump for its conservative decisions that they disapprove of. The spot is part of a larger effort to create that link in the minds of voters ahead of the election.

United for Democracy campaign director Stasha Rhodes said in a statement that Americans are “deeply unhappy” with the court’s actions, “but not enough voters are connecting the dots between this captured Court and the MAGA politicians like Trump who appointed and empower them.”

The group is spending $200,000 on the ad during the debate as part of a $1 million buy this week, a spokesperson said. It is a 501(c)(4) organization that does not disclose its donors.