Falcon Forensics & Debate offers you the opportunity to explore abilities and develop skills through four genre: debate & alternative events, public address speaking, limited preparation and interpretive performance through a series of challenging and fun categories.
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Debate & Alternative Genre
Discussion
Contestants participate in roundtable group communication focused on three aspects of critical problem solving: Topic Focus, Issue Isolation and Solution Making. This is a non-research based/non-confrontational form of communicative problem solving. 60 minute time limit per round. Public Forum Debate This is a four-person debate format focusing on advocacy of a position derived from the issues presented in the resolution. Competitors in this team event advocate or reject a position posed by a resolution (prepared by the College Public Forum committee). Parliamentary Debate This is a four-person cross-examination format for debating, based on parliamentary procedure, akin to British Parliament and “Robert’s Rules of Order”. Teams receive a stimulus and the affirmative team defines the direction of the debate. This form of debating is non-research oriented and encourages audience participation and the inclusion of humor. Rounds last roughly 60 minutes. IPDA International Public Debate This is a two-person cross-examination format for debating, based on the philosophy of parliamentary procedure, akin to British Parliament and “Robert’s Rules of Order”. Teams receive a stimulus for the debate and the affirmative team defines the direction of the debate. This form of debating is non-research oriented. Debaters begin the round with a list of 5 topics and take turns "striking" topics from the list until they reach the final topic for the round. Rounds last roughly 60 minutes. Lincoln/Douglas Debate This is a two-person cross-examination format for debating, based on the debates of Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas. The resolution is released in July of each year and runs for the entire season, most often in a policy format. This form of debating is research oriented and is often based on pre-prepared briefs and evidence via a rapid fire delivery. Rounds last roughly 60 minutes. Student Congress Much like our congress, rounds are established with representatives from participant schools. One participant is elected or appointed speaker to moderate discussions. All participants are provided with a packet of bills which may be considered during each session. In this event, participants seek to argue in support or refutation of the bills brought to the floor in the goal of passing pieces of worthy legislation. Experimental Events Each season, leagues and tournaments offer experimental or “wild card” events in an effort to continue growth and experimentation within the forensics activity. These events range from Impromptu Sales Speaking to the Interpretation of Musical Lyrics. Events may fall within traditional I.E. (Individual Events) genre or may combine genre. Rules and time limits vary per tournament.
Limited Preparation Genre
Impromptu Speaking
Contestants receive quotations, rhetorical prompts and/or cartoons from which to create an analytical speech. A total of 7 minutes may be divided between preparation and speaking. Contestants should speak for at least 3 minutes. All contestants in the same section will receive the same topic stimulus. 7 minute maximum time limit. Extemporaneous Speaking Contestants select one of three topics on a current national, international, economic, or social issue/event. The contestant will have 30 minutes to prepare a 5-7 minute speech on the topic selected. Notes are permissible, but should be kept to a minimum. Internet access for research is permitted. 7 minute maximum time limit. |
Interpretation Genre
Poetry Interpretation
Contestants present a program of poetic literature. Original introductory comments and/or transitions are permitted. Programs may consist of single or multiple selections. Manuscripts are required. 8-10 minute time limit. Prose Interpretation Contestants present a program of prose literature. Original introductory comments and transitional remarks are permitted. Programs may consist of single or multiple selections in 1st, 2nd or 3rd person. Plays are not permitted and manuscript is required. 8-10 minute time limit. Readers’ Theatre A 25 minute (including set-up and strike) thematic interpretive program or single textual selection presented by a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of nine (9) participants. Literature may come from any literary genre’ or be a combination of genre’. Original introductory comments and transitional remarks are permitted. The use of manuscripts is required. This is not an acting event. Duo Interpretation Contestants perform a cutting from a play or other literature, humorous or serious, is presented by two individuals. This is not an acting event; thus, costumes, props, etc. are not permitted. Manuscript is required and focus should be offstage. 8-10 minute time limit. Program Oral Interpretation A program of thematically linked selections of literary merit selected from at least 2 of the 3 genres of competitive interpretation (prose, poetry, drama). Nontraditional material may also be included. Original comments and/or transitions are permitted. Manuscripts are required. 8-10 minute time limit. Dramatic Interpretation Contestants present 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. Original introductory comments and/or transitions are permitted. Programs may consist of single or multiple selections. Manuscripts are required. 8-10 minute time limit. Public Address Genre
Informative Speaking
Contestants deliver a memorized original factual speech on a realistic subject to fulfill a general information need of the audience. Visual/auditory aids which supplement/reinforce the message are permitted. 8-10 minute time limit. Persuasion Contestants deliver an original memorized speech to convince, move to action, or to inspire on an issue of significance. 8-10 minute time limit. After Dinner Speaking Contestants present an original memorized speech with the purpose of making a serious point through the use of humor. The speech should reflect the spirit of a humorous, comedic speech, not a stand-up comedy routine. 8-10 minute time limit. Rhetorical/Communication Analysis Contestants deliver a memorized original critical analysis of any significant communication event. Any legitimate critical methodology is permissible, as long as it serves to open up the communication event for analysis. 8-10 minute time limit.  Tony Wise, Informative Speaking |
