ABOUT DEBATE AND FORENSICS
Speech and Debate is an important component of youth asset development, youth engagement, youth advocacy, and quality youth development in schools and the community. These activities teach or refine skills such as oral communication, critical thinking, logic and argumentation, research, listening and verbal retention, note-taking, writing, organization, teamwork, and audience adaptation. They also help youth build poise and confidence, provides interaction with new peers, helps develop an understanding of current events, and is a priceless addition to a college resume.
There are two main categories: Debate and Forensics. Within Forensics, there are eight activities.
Public Forum Debate
Public Forum Debate is an oral communication advocacy exercise done with a partner. Each team of two advocate either in favor of (PRO) or against (CON) a resolution by proposing three to four arguments supporting their position. With these arguments laid out in opening speeches, each side chooses the most important arguments to defend or attack. Using skills in cross-examination and the introduction of evidence, the debaters clarify, extend their own points, and expose weaknesses and/or contradictions in the opposition’s arguments. Through a series of constructive and rebuttal speeches, the PRO and CON sides will, in thirty-five minutes, seek to persuade a citizen judge of the merits of their position.
Forensics: Poetry, Prose, and Dramatic and Duo Interpretation
In poetry, prose, and interpretation, the students select a piece from an established and published author to recite, generally about three to five minutes in length. Students are allowed to do selective cutting from their piece.
Forensics: Impromptu and Extemporaneous
Impromptu Speaking requires the student to select a short, broad topic from everyday life and present a two to three minute speech after one minute of preparation. Topics might include learning to drive, my first dance, or buying clothes.
Extemporaneous Speaking gives the student thirty minutes of preparation time to develop a five-seven minute speech on a topic of current national or international interest. The selection could include a ceiling on athletic salaries, gun control, or solving the Middle East dilemma.
Forensics: Original Oratory and Radio Announcing
Original Oratory requires the student to write and memorize a six to eight minute persuasive speech directed at having the audience take action. Abolishing grades or lowering the drinking age are good examples.
Radio Announcing involves a three minute presentation of news, sports, weather and a thirty second student written commercial.
