Forensics is for the person who…
- Wants to have fun while improving communication skills.
- Would like to build more self confidence in public.
- Wishes to boost a future college or job application
- Values winning and receiving recognition.
- Is self-motivated & prefers individual vs. team dependency.
SPEAKING
DEMONSTRATION SPEECH
- shows how to do something or how something works
- objects or physical activity by the demonstrator must be exhibited
- visual aids (charts, graphs, diagrams, maps, pictures, etc.) optional
- speech must be instructive and present valuable & significant information
- 10 minute time limit, including set up and take down
- both sides of one 4×6 note card optional & may be prepared before meet
EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEAKING
- phrase a clear proposition & support w/contentions supported by evidence/reasoning
- not a prepared speech
- 1/2 hour before speaking, draw from 5 questions & choose 1 (different speech given for each round)
- no visual aids allowed
- 7 minute time limit
- both sides of one 4×6 note card optional but may not be prepared before meet
FOUR MINUTE SPEAKING
- informative speech on significant issue
- coherency, unification, & clarity of speech are key
- support materials/devices must be used (quotations, statistics, examples, comparisons, & analogies)
- 4 minute time limit
- both sides of one 4×6 note card optional & may be prepared before meet
MOMENTS IN HISTORY
- informative speech on significant historical moment allocated by WHSFA annually
- 2009 – 2010 time period = The Decade of the 1980’s
- may use limited visual aids
- research is key: archival records, diaries, personal interviews, letters, newspapers, etc.
- 6 minute time limit
- both sides of one 4×6 note card optional & may be prepared before meet
ORATORY
- persuasive speech on significant topic
- alert audience to existence of a problem
- OR
- affirm the existence of a problem & propose a solution
- OR
- urge the adoption of a policy
- use clear, vivid, forceful language
- use stylistic devices like metaphor, comparison/contrast, irony, etc.
- thoughtfulness in choice of approach to topic & quality of supporting materials necessary
- 8 minute time limit
- both sides of one 4×6 note card optional & may be prepared before meet
PUBLIC ADDRESS
- response speech to questions which are issues of current public discussion
- topics chosen by WHSFA annually
- 2009 – 2010 topics = Same Sex Marriage; Vegetarian/Vegan Diet; Obama Presidency; Social Networking; Drinking
- quality supporting material required
- a clear position must be stated & supported in a well organized, effective manner
- visual aids not permitted
- 8 minute time limit
- both sides of one 4×6 note card optional & may be prepared before meet
RADIO SPEAKING
- select, edit, & organize news items provided to you by coach/at meet
- vocal presentation is most important (make it sound like a radio personality)
- cut & edit material to 5 minutes exact presentation
- include one commercial, introductory statements, conclusion, & transitions
- no visuals allowed
- delivered as you sit profile to the judge
- participant must supply own stopwatch, scissors, glue/tape, etc.
SPECIAL OCCASION SPEECH
- oral presentation specific to situational demands
- topics selected by WHSFA annually
- 2009-2010 topics = A Eulogy for a Pet; Public Statement for Family Crisis; Summation of a Trial; Tribute to a Teacher
- visual aids permitted
- 8 minute time limit
- both sides of one 4×6 note card optional & may be prepared before meet
STORYTELLING
- presentation of imaginative material in narrative form through voice
- topics selected annually by WHSFA
- 2009-2010 topics = Arabian Nights Story; Childhood Story; Animal Story; A Story about Teamwork
- Student will bring a single note card listing the topic areas (listed above) with one title/author listed for each.
- Before each performance the student presents the card to the judge. The judge then selects which story will be told in that round. Students are required to tell a different story for each round.
- introductory comments (author, title. intended audience, orienting material, etc.) required
- all stories must be memorized
- student must sit in chair while telling story, but he/she may move around in it
- 8 minute time limit
ACTING
PLAY ACTING
- 2-5 participants present a scene or cutting from a play
- entire script, introduction, transitions, etc. to be memorized
- no costumes, extra makeup, props, lighting, etc. allowed
- all physical actions other than stage movement are pantomimed
- 12 minute time limit
SOLO ACTING
- presentation of dramatic literature (either serious or humorous)
- student creates the character(s) through use of body & voice
- introduction, transition(s), & entire selection must be memorized
- no costumes, props, extra makeup, etc. allowed
- 8 minute time limit
READING
FARRAGO
- identify, select, combine, & present quality literature from a variety of genre (poetry, short stories, speeches, essays, drama, novels, etc.) which addresses a specific theme or emotion
- introduction & transitions between selections memorized
- selections read from a manuscript
- no costumes, props, music, audio-visuals, etc.
- 10 minute time limit
GROUP INTERPRETATION
- 2-5 readers use blocking rather than acting to present a narrative script
- material may be prose, poetry, essay, but not drama
- introductions & transitions must be memorized
- script is read
- participants must have no direct eye or physical contact during presentation
- no costumes, props, etc.
- 12 minute time limit
POETRY
- convey an understanding of poetry through use of body and voice
- read a poem or group of poems centering on specific theme or emotion
- original material allowed
- introduction & any transitions are to be memorized
- selection(s) read from a manuscript
- 8 minute time limit
PROSE
- convey an understanding of prose (fiction, nonfiction, etc.) literature through use of body and voice
- read entire selections or cuts from short stories, novels, drama, essays, etc. focused on specific theme or emotion
- original material allowed
- introduction & any transitions are to be memorized
- selection(s) read from a manuscript
- 8 minute time limit