Forensics



Forensics is for the person who…

  1. Wants to have fun while improving communication skills.
  2. Would like to build more self confidence in public.
  3. Wishes to boost a future college or job application
  4. Values winning and receiving recognition.
  5. 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