Events

COMPETITIVE FORENSICS EVENTS

The following are brief descriptions of the available competitive events. Use these summaries to make some preliminary decisions regarding events in which you would be most interested. More detailed information on each event can be obtained from Mr. or Mrs. Heimes.

I. Rhetorical Events: These speeches are researched and written by the speaker her/himself. Be sure to check with coaches to make sure that the topic ideas are appropriate and not overused.

A. Informative Speaking

* 8 minute maximum time limit

* One 4×6 note-card may be used; speech should be memorized

* Visual aids are helpful for this event

B. Persuasive Speaking

* 10 minute maximum time limit

* A complete manuscript of the speech is prepared; this must be available to the judge at the conclusion of the speech, along with a bibliography

* Speaker may present speech from script; however, it should be memorized

* Speech must be well-researched and documented

* Topic should be either controversial or inspirational in nature

C. Extemporaneous Speaking

* Time limit of 5-7 minutes

* Speech is prepared at the meet

* Speaker draws three topics, chooses one and has 30 minutes to prepare

* One notecard may be used to deliver speech; should be memorized

* Topics are based on current events, with questions originating in current issues of Time, Newsweek, and US News and World Report

* Extempers must contribute to developing the topic files that are taken to meets

D. Entertainment Speaking

* 8 minute maximum time limit

* One note-card may be used; speeches should be memorized

* Students present an original, well-organized, humorous speech

* Props and/or visual aids may be used

E. Impromptu Speaking

* 3-5 minute time limit

* After drawing three topics and choosing one, speaker has 5 minutes of prep time

* Speech should follow typical structure and is generally humorous in nature

II. Debate Events: Students develop research-based arguments for and against a variety of proposals and become skilled at verbalizing these opinions.

A. Lincoln-Douglas Debate — This is a contest between two debaters. The affirmative debater argues for the resolution by demonstrating that it is the means of achieving a proposed desirable value. The negative debater opposes the resolution by showing that negating the resolution is a means of achieving a proposed desirable value. For example, the value of justice might be achieved by affirming the resolution “Global concerns ought to be valued above conflicting national concerns.” The value of societal welfare might be achieved by negating it.

B. Student Congress — This event offers students the opportunity to obtain practice in public speaking, discussion, debate, and parliamentary procedure as required to participate in a democratic process. Students will simulate a mock legislative session. Participants will write and introduce legislation in the form of bills and/or resolutions. The presiding officer will alternately call upon students to give speeches supporting and opposing a piece of legislation. After discussion, the body will vote to pass or reject each bill or resolution and then choose outstanding students

C. Public Forum Debate — This is a team debate event using a current-events topic that changes monthly. A sample topic: Commercial airline pilots should be armed in the cockpit. Designed to imitate CNN’s “Crossfire,” team members take turns arguing their position and questioning the opposition. Speakers are judged on their delivery, use of evidence, personal analysis and logical reasoning. No individual speech is longer than 4 minutes and the entire round lasts 35 minutes.

III. Interpretation Events: With the assistance of coaches, students find quality literature, cut it to meet the time limit, prepare an introduction, and then practice the presentation to bring the literature to life.

A. Serious Prose

* 10 minute maximum time limit
* Manuscript may be used; presentation should

eventually be memorized
* Presents a serious cutting from a story, novel or play
* Selection and presentation should build toward a climax
* While many selections contain two or more characters, with more dialogue than narration, the use of monologues in the event is becoming popular and successful.

B. Humorous Prose

* 10 minute maximum time limit
* Manuscript may be used; presentation should eventually be memorized
* Presents a humorous cutting from a story, novel or play
* Selection and presentation should build toward a climax
* A cutting with a minimum of two characters works best for this event as success generally requires comic action and multiple-character dialogue

C. Poetry

* Time limit of 6-8 minutes

* Look for a program–a group of poems tied together either thematically or by author (thematic programs work best)

* Speaker must tie the poems together by preparing an introduction for the entire program and place transitions between poems which link them together

* Poems must be presented from manuscript; small black notebooks may be used

D. Duet Acting

* 12 minute maximum time limit

* Two students present a cutting of a play that must be memorized

* An attention-getting introduction should introduce the play, setting, & characters

* Two chairs and a table are the only props which may be used

* The scene should contain theatrical elements: blocking, levels, movement, etc.

E. Oral Interpretation of Drama (OID)

* Maximum time limit of 15 minutes

* Three to five students present a cutting from a play

* An attention-getting introduction should introduce the play, setting, & characters

* Manuscripts must be used

* Limited movement and acting are allowed

* Stools or staging blocks may be used for levels and arrangement