I also competed in Student Congress. I was first alternate to the National Tournement in Eastern Ohio District House B in 1998. I was also elected Best Presiding Officer at that district tournement. In 1999, I qualified to the Desert Sun National Tournament in Student Congress Senate, and was best presiding officer as well.
Many people have their own "Extemp help pages" that are very useful, just look around! Personally, I would rather spend my time helping myself improve, instead of the competition.
By competing in this event, competitors learn more than those in other events. Not only to students improve there speaking and presentation skills, they also learn about foreign affairs as well as how to think on their feet.
http://www.oocities.org/athens/3348/speech.html