Kent State University Forensics

What The Heck Is Forensics?

Forensics, or Speech & Debate, is an intercollegiate extra-cirricular activity that stresses the importance of good public speaking skills.
Below is an explanation of each event.

2006-2007

Ohio Forensic Association Wildcard Event

Duet Cinematic Interpretation

A cutting or program from cinematic texts, humorous or serious, presented by two individuals. Time limit includes original introduction and/or transitions. This is not an acting event. Thus, no costumes, props, lighting, etc., are to be used. Presentation is from manuscript and the focus should be off-stage and not at each other. Time limit is 10 minutes maximum.

National Forensic Association Events (NFA Events)

Lincoln/Douglas Debate (AKA - "LD")

One person policy debate which examines the benefits versus the harms of a proposed government action. NFA LD was created in 1991 and is closer to high school policy debate and college CETA/NDT debate than to either high school LD or Parlimentary Debate. The primary differences, besides a one vs one person format, are a more conversational speaking style, shorter and fewer speeches, and a lower volume of evidence.

Individual Events (AKA - "IE")

Limited Preparation Events (AKA - "Limited Prep or LP")

Impromptu

Contestants will receive short excerpts dealing with items of general interest, political, economic, and social issues. The contestant will have a total of seven minutes to divide between preparation and speaking. Students should speak for at least three minutes. All contestants in the same section shall speak on the same topic. Maximum 7 minutes.

Extemporaneous Speaking (AKA - "Extemp")

For each round, contestants will select one of three topics on current national and international events. The contestant will have thirty minutes to prepare a five to seven minute speech on the topic selected. Notes are permissible but should be at a minimum. Maximum 7 minutes.

Public Address Events (AKA - "PA")

Rhetorical Criticism/Communicative Analysis (AKA - "Rhet Crit"/"CA")

Contestants will deliver an original critical analysis of any significant rhetorical artifact. The speaker should limit the quotation of, paraphrasing of, or summary of, the analyzed artifact to a minimum. Any legitimate critical methodology is permissible as long as it serves to open up the artifact for the audience. The speech must be delivered from memory. Maximum 10 minutes.

Informative (AKA - "Info")

The contestant will deliver an original factual speech on a realistic subject to fulfill a general information need of the audience. Visual aids that supplement/ reinforce the message are permitted. The speech must be delivered from memory. Maximum 10 minutes.

After Dinner Speaking (AKA - "ADS")

Each contestant will present an original speech whose purpose is to make a serious point through the use of humor. The speech should reflect the development of a humorous comedic effort, not a stand up comedy routine. The speech must be memorized. Maximum 10 minutes.

Persuasion

A speech to convince, to move to action, or to inspire on a significant issue, delivered from memory. Maximum time is 10 minutes.

Interpretation Events (AKA - "Interp")

Prose

The contestant will present a program of prose literature. Original introductory comments and transitional remarks are permitted. Programs may consist of single or multiple selections. Plays are not permitted. Manuscripts are required. Maximum 10 minutes.

Poetry

The contestant will present a program of poetic literature. Original introductory comments and transitional remarks are permitted. Programs may consist of single or multiple selections. Manuscripts are required. Maximum 10 minutes.

Dramatic Duo (AKA - "Duo")

A cutting from a play, humorous or serious, involving the portrayal of two or more characters presented by two individuals. This is not an acting event. Thus, costumes, props, etc. are not permitted. Presentation must be from manuscript and focus should be off stage. Maximum 10 minutes.

American Forensic Association Events (AFA Events)

Interpretation Events (AKA - "Interp")

Dramatic Interpretation (AKA - "DI")

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 is 10 minutes including introduction.

Program Oral Interpretation (AKA - "POI")

A program of thematically-linked selection of literary merit, chosen from at least two of the three recognized genres of competitive interpretation (prose, poetry, and drama). A substantial portion of the total time must be devoted to each of the genres used in the program. Use of a manuscript is required. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes.