Waterford High School Forensics Team

1. Waterford High School Forensics Team Building a Tradition of Excellence in Public Speaking

2. What is Forensics? • A team dedicated to individual and group speaking events performed for competition

3. Why should I join? • Provides important life-speaking skills • Meet fun and exciting people • Win trophies and medals • Impress colleges and employers • Express yourself!!!

4. What is the time commitment? • Required Weekly practices: • Wednesday 3:00-4:30 • Individual rehearsals of performance • Saturday festivals /tournaments • Mid-January to Mid-March (6-7 weekends) • Evening performance at Conference & Subdistrict • State competition @ Madison in April See WHSFA or WFCAforensics websites listed on Waterford’s forensics page. FOR MORE INFO...

5. What will practice include? • Select piece and/or write speech for performance • Revise wording / add content • Improve organization • Perform speech/piece for coach/peers • Work on spoken delivery • Improve blocking and movement • Kindly critique others to improve performance

6. What can I expect at a meet? • Bus departure around 7:00 a.m. • Three rounds of preliminary competition against students from other schools • Munchies, socializing, and fun • “Power” round of best speakers • Awards ceremony – tournaments only

7. Interpretation: Perform something by a published author Many performers Highly competitive Speech: Present a that you write Small categories Big trophy potential! How do I know which category to choose? Prose Poetry Farrago Storytelling Solo Serious & Humorous Group interpretation Play acting Public address Oratory Special Occasion Radio Demonstration Four Minute Moments in History Extemporaneous 16 different categories!!!

8. Speech Categories • Public Address: 6.5 to 8 minute speech on a contemporary issue • Terrorism: To what extent, if any, has recent US Military involvement made the world a safer place? • Nuclear Power: In light of the nuclear disaster in Japan, what should be the future of nuclear power in the United States? • Fine Arts Programming: Given the current state budget crisis, to what extent, if any, should WI public schools continue to fund fine arts classes? • On-line and/or Charter Schools: What should be the role of on-line and/or charter schools in public education? *May use one notecard!

9. Speech Categories … continued • Special Occasion: 6.5 to 8 minute speech on one of these occasions (may be humorous or serious) • A Docent Presentation at a Library or Museum • Testimony at a State Government Body • Presentation to a Local Organization: “Go Green” Initiative • National History Day: • Graduation Speech: 2012 *May use one notecard!

10. Speech Categories … continued • Oratory: 8-10 minute persuasive speech on a significant topic Examples may include • Medical issues • Media controversies • Cell phone/technology security • Transportation efficiency/safety *May use one notecard!

11. Speech Categories … continued • Demonstration: 8 to 10 minute speech showing how to do something or explaining how something works Examples may include • Dances • Arts/crafts • Maintenance • Sign language *May use one notecard!

12. Speech Categories … continued • Moments in History: 5 to 6 minute speech on any topic for the 1960’s • (ie. people, sports, inventions, monuments, entertainment, etc.) • Four Minute: 4 minute informative speech on an interesting topic • 15 second grace period *May use one notecard!

13. Speech Categories … continued • Radio: 5 minute radio presentation • News, weather, and sports • Prepared 30 minutes before each round • Reader performs by reading script and timing self with watch (no eye contact) • Extemporaneous: 6 to 7 minute speech • Related to current events (news, politics, etc.) • Prepared 30 minutes before each round • Choose between 3 topics, one notecard permitted

14. Interpretative Categories • Prose: 6.5 to 8 minute selection from quality prose literature which surrounds a specific theme or emotion. • Introduction must be memorized. • Poetry: 6.5 to 8 minute selection of various quality poems which surround a specific theme or emotion. • Introduction and transitions must be memorized. *Note: these are huge categories!

15. Interpretative Categories … continued • Farrago: 8.5 to 10 minute selection of two or more literary genre of very high quality pieces surrounding a specific theme or emotion Themes may include • Journey • Change • Courage • Despair *Introduction and transitions must be memorized

16. Interpretative Categories … continued • Storytelling: Story told from memory on these topics • A Story from the American heartland • A Story about a fool • A Story with puns or other word play • A Story about overcoming heartbreak or sadness *Speaker sits in a chair to perform.

17. Interpretative Categories … continued • Solo Acting: 6.5 to 8 minute memorized selection • Qualitydramatic or humorous piece of literature. • May be a monologue or piece with a number of characters *This category has entry limitations.

18. Interpretative Categories … continued • Group Interpretation: 2 to 5 readers present a piece of literature through vocal and physical action • This is not an acting category! • 10 to 12 minutes • Introduction/transitions must be memorized.

19. Interpretative Categories … continued • Play acting: 2 to 4 people act out a scene or cutting from a quality, approved play • Must be memorized • 10-12 minutes *This category has entry limitations.

20. What if I miss a practice or meet? • Practices are required each week. • If you are sick, arrange a practice the next day. • If you must be late, bring a pass from your teacher. • If you fail to practice, you will not be allowed to compete. • Absences from a meet must be submitted (in writing) at least two weeks before the event. • If you are extremely sick, call the coach so that we do not worry. • The team must pay for your entry whether or not you show up once the two week deadline has passed.