Northeastern
Competitive Forensics
2007-08 Season
Dr. Amy Aldridge Sanford,
director
Office: 918.444.2896
Home: 918.431.0156
Cell: 918.718.9318
Email: aldridga@nsuok.edu
Debate Textbook (Strongly recommended):
Knapp, Trischa
Goodnow and
Tournaments: If you are on any financial assistance from the
forensics program and/or if you are enrolled in SPCH 2222, you are expected to
attend all scheduled tournaments unless granted an exception from the coaching
staff.
Tentative 2007-08
schedule:
August 24—Team Meeting in the
Squad Room @ 3pm
Sept. 15—OSTCA State
Convention @ Southern
Feb. 22-23—State
Tournament at NSU
April 3—High School
1A/2A Forensics Showcase @ NSU—You need to be available this day.
Lodging, travel, meals, and
registration fees are paid by NSU for every tournament.
Weekly Meetings:
Every member of the squad is
expected to attend a weekly meeting with Amy or an assistant coach. You need to come prepared to these meetings.
Events: Students on financial assistance and/or enrolled in
SPCH 2222 are expected to take at least three events (two must be prepared
events) to every tournament. Events are
listed below.
After-Dinner Speaking
An original humorous speech by the student designed to exhibit sound speech
composition, thematic coherence, direct communicative public speaking skills,
and good taste. The speech should not resemble a night club act, an
impersonation, or comic dialogue. Audio-visual aids may or may not be used to
supplement/reinforce the message. Minimal notes are permitted. Maximum time
limit is 10 minutes.
Communication Analysis
An original speech by the student designed to offer an explanation and/or
evaluation of a communication event such as a speech, speaker, movement, poem,
poster, film, campaign, etc. through the use of rhetorical principles.
Audio-visual aids may or may not be used to supplement/reinforce the message.
Manuscripts are permitted. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes.
Dramatic Duo Interpretation
A cutting from a play, humorous or serious, involving the portrayal of two or
more characters presented by two individuals. The material may be drawn from
stage, screen, or radio. This is not an acting event. Thus, no costumes, props,
lighting, etc. are to be used. Presentation is from the manuscript and focus
should be off-stage and not to each other. Maximum time is 10 minutes including
introduction.
Dramatic Interpretation
A cutting which represents one or more characters from a play or plays of literary
merit. This material may be drawn from stage, screen, or radio. Use of
manuscript is required. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes including
introduction.
*Extemporaneous Speaking
Contestants will be given three topics in the general area of current events,
choose one, and have 30 minutes to prepare a speech that is the original work
of the student. Maximum time limit for the speech is 7 minutes. Limited notes
are permitted. Students will speak in listed order. Posting of topics will be
staggered.
*Impromptu Speaking
An impromptu speech, serious in nature with topic selections varied by round,
section by section. Topics will be of proverb nature. Speakers will have a
total of 7 minutes for both preparation and speaking. Timing commences with the
acceptance of the topic sheet. Limited notes are permitted. Each speaker in a
given section will choose to speak from one of the same two topics offered.
Informative Speaking
An original, factual speech by the student on a realistic subject to fulfill
the general aim to inform the audience. Audio-visual aids may or may not be
used to supplement/reinforce the message. Multiple sources should be used and
cited in the development of the speech. Minimal notes are permitted. Maximum
time is 10 minutes including introduction.
Persuasive Speaking
An original speech by the student designed to inspire, reinforce or change the
beliefs, attitudes, values or actions of the audience. Audiovisual aids
may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message. Multiple
sources should be used and cited in the development of the speech.
Minimal notes are permitted. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes including
introduction.
Poetry Interpretation
A selection or selections of poetry of literary merit, which may be drawn from
more than one source. Play cuttings are prohibited. Use of manuscript is
required. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes including introduction.
Program Oral Interpretation
A program of thematically-linked selections of literary merit, chosen from two
of the three recognized genres of competitive interpretation
(prose/poetry/drama). A substantial portion of the total time must be devoted
to each of the two genres used in the program. Use of manuscript is required.
Maximum time limit is 10 minutes including original introduction and
transitions.
Prose Interpretation
A selection of prose material of literary merit, which may be drawn from more
than one source. Play cuttings are prohibited. Use of manuscript is required.
Maximum time is 10 minutes including introduction.
Oral interpretation of Children's
Literature:
Contestants will perform children’s stories (from a published source)
appropriate for 2nd and 3rd grade students. Costumes and properties are
encouraged, but please note that the time limit includes the set up and take
down of all properties. Contestants exceeding the time limit will be
disqualified. Students dressing inappropriately or performing stories that are considered
“inappropriate” by our moderators, or school officials, will not be allowed to
finish their performance and disqualified. Time limit is 6 minute
maximum.
Reader's Theatre:
Reader’s Theatre is a group oral interpretation event performed by 3-12
contestants. Material may be drawn from any source (original or
published) and is not limited to a single genre. Props, ensemble
costuming, music, and lighting may be used to enhance the material (any
musicians or technicians count toward the 12 person limit). The tournament host
will not provide any props or equipment. The 25 minute time limit
includes set up and take down time. Scripts may not have been performed
by any of the students in any prior contest/tournament.
*Legislative Debate Event Description:
The students will meet in a general assembly to discuss legislation based on
the Spring GPFC topic. All resolutions submitted will be coordinated by the
event host and a packet of resolutions will be provided at the registration of
the tournament. Students will then have an opportunity to read and prioritize
resolutions for the assembly. Parliamentary procedure will govern the assembly
as students speak for or against the resolution. Students will speak for a
maximum of five minutes supporting the passage of the resolution or negating
the resolution with question time included. It is at the discretion of the
speaker as to whether she will yield to questions during her speech time.
Each student wishing to compete in the event must submit one resolution for
consideration via email, fax or snail mail by Wednesday, April 14th at
*Not a prepared event.
Students with
Disabilities:
If any member of the squad feels that he or she has a disability and requires
special accommodations, of any nature whatsoever, I will work with you to
ensure that you have a fair opportunity to perform in this activity. Please advise me of such disability and the
desired accommodations at the close of the first class period. Students with disabilities who need
accommodations to achieve course objectives should visit the Office of Student
Affairs, Ext. 2120.