Forensics – Description of Individual Events

  1. Dates
  2. Have selections chosen by January 25.
  3. Individual speech Peer Review Thursday, February 21, 5:30 pm.
  4. District contest is Saturday, February 23, in Centerville.
  5. State meet is March 9, the first Saturday of spring break, in Vinton, IA.
  6. Guidelines
  7. Our school can enter 3 people in each event (except for acting/solo musical theater where 6 are allowed)
  8. Each person may enter 2 events.
  9. What must you do now?
  10. Look over the suggested areas. Think about what might be your best area.
  11. Fill in your name, first choice, second choice, and third choice on the shared document..
  12. Start practicing on your own as well as at school.
  13. If you need props or plan to review a movie, do the legwork.
  14. If you have any special needs on times to perform, let us know NOW. The contest folks get crabby when we call them the week of the contest.
  15. Areas PCHS will enter if individuals sign up
  16. Interpretative Reading - Poetry NOT memorized)

-one selection or several with a common theme. You write your own introduction and transition.

Example: several poems by one author such as Billy Collins, a long poem such as Frost’s Death of a Hired Man, a group of poems with one theme such as dogs or school.

  1. Interpretative Reading - Prose (NOT memorized)

-one story or a group of stories or prose that fit under a general heading. You write your own introduction and transitions.

Examples: story or children’s book or a group of short stories on a topic such as hope or pets.

  1. Literary program (NOT memorized)

-a mix of prose and poetry with a common theme. You write your own introduction and transitions.

Example: several selections on a topic such as winter, sisters, or war.

  1. Spontaneous Speaking

-topics will be contemporary issues and contestants will draw a topic, prepare for three minutes, and speak for less than five minutes. You can look at the topics on line and prepare ahead.

Examples: our nation’s involvement in Iraq, the effects of the media today.

  1. Radio Announcing

-thirty minutes prior to speaking, each student will be given a wire copy of news, weather, sports etc as well as a commercial. Contestants edit and select.

  1. Improvisation

-no actual preparation possible. You can practice the procedure. Contestants draw 2 situations and 3 separate characters, get 5 minutes prep time, and then produce a “mini-play” using one situation and two

characters.

Example: a barmaid and a juggler changing a flat tire.

  1. Original Oratory (MEMORIZED)

-speech must be your original work and must be memorized.

Example: the worst year of my life or why I am glad I grew up on a farm.

  1. Acting (MEMORIZED)

-you choose a scene from a play that can stand on its own after an introduction. You may act the parts of more than one character if you find a way to make the difference very clear.

Example: a scene from Steel Magnolias or The Effects of Gamma Rays on Marigolds.

  1. Expository Address (MEMORIZED)

-speech must be written by contestant. Person may use props.

Example: games played in the Netherlands, the country of Argentina.

  1. Storytelling (MEMORIZED but does not have to be just like the book)

-stories can be from any source. Many contestants choose children’s stories.

Examples: I Love You Forever, Caps for Sale, Alexander’s Very Bad, Horrible Day, The Paper Bag Princess, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs.

  1. After Dinner Speaking (MEMORIZED and YOUR WRITING)

-a speech that is informative and entertaining. You may use quotes, anecdotes, puns, etc.

Example- “Naming Your Children” at a Lamaze class dinner,

“How to Make School Fun” at a teachers’ dinner.

  1. Reviewing (MEMORIZED)

-one may review a book, movie, or TV movie. You may use a blackboard, easel, small table, projection screen, DVD player, overhead.

Example: review of movie Millions.

  1. Solo Musical Theatre

-one song from a musical using the skills of acting, singing, and/or dancing.

-Example: a song from Annie

14. Public Address (MEMORIZED)

-a speech given by another person. You memorize the speech and portray the thoughts and views of the original speaker. Example: parts of speeches of Sojourner Truth.

-NOTE: You have more responsibility in the individual meet. It is NOT wise to wait too long to choose a topic or memorize your selection. We pay for your entry so if you sign up, we expect you to participate. You MUST practice on your own or with friends or parents as well as with the coaches. Mr. Van Peursem and Mrs. Luhrs have limited free time. Check schedule.