Forensics

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