Forensics Events

The Purpose of the Lock Haven Forensics Team

The forensics team is academic in nature, but goes beyond the classroom.  It prepares and encourages students to perform various styles of public speaking in an intercollegiate arena.

There are four styles in which the forensics team participates:

Limited Prep includes Impromptu and Extemporaneous speaking.  For more information on these two  forms, please see the rules, the norms, and the ballot feedback areas for this style of event, in addition to the limited prep link.

Oral Interpretation includes interpretations of Poetry, Prose, Single Dramatic, and Dramatic Duos.  For more information on this style of event, please follow the oral interpretation link.

Public Address includes Informative Speech, Persuasive Speech, Critical Analysis, and After Dinner Speech.  For more information on this style of event, please follow the public address link.

Debate has two forms in which a forensicator may participate.  These are Parliamentary Debate, and Lincoln-Douglas Debate.

A brief overview:

Limited Preparation:

• Impromptu - A speech, serious in nature, with varied topic selections, but usually a proverb or other quotation.  Speakers have 7 minutes to prepare and speak.  Limited notes are permitted.
• Extemporaneous - Students are given three topics in the general area of current events.  After picking one, a student has 30 minutes to prepare a speech that is a maximum of seven minutes long.  Limited notes are permitted.

Oral Interpretation:

• Poetry - A selection, or selections, of poetry of literary merit, which may be drawn from more than one source.  Play cuttings are prohibited.  Manuscripts are required.
• Prose - A selection, or selections, of prose material, which may be drawn from more than one source.  Play cuttings are prohibited.  Manuscripts are required.
• Single Dramatic Interpretation - A cutting representing one or more characters from a play, or plays, of literary merit.  This material may be drawn from stage, screen, or radio.  Manuscripts are required.
• Dramatic Duo - A cutting from a play, humorous or serious, involving the portrayal of two or more characters by two individuals.  This material may be drawn from stage, screen, or radio.  This is not an acting event and costumes, props, etc., are prohibited.  Presentation is from a manuscript and the focus is off-stage.

Public Address:

• Informative - An original, factual speech on a realistic subject to inform the audience.  Sources should be used and cited.  Minimal notes and audio-visuals are permitted.
• Persuasive - An original speech designed to inspire, reinforce or change the beliefs, attitudes, values or actions of the audience.  Sources should be used and cited.  Minimal notes and audio-visuals are permitted.
• Critical Analysis - An original speech designed to offer an explanation and/or evaluation of a communication event, such as a speech, poem, poster, event, etc., through the use of rhetorical principles.  Manuscripts and audio-visuals are permitted.
• After Dinner Speech - An original humorous speech designed to exhibit sound speech composition, thematic coherence, public speaking skills, and good taste.  Minimal notes and audio-visuals are permitted.

Debate:

• Parliamentary Debate - An event in which there are two teams of two students.  It is a limited prep humorous style of debate focusing on common knowledge arguments.
• Lincoln-Douglas Debate - An individual event where one topic is assigned at the beginning of the school year.  Students will conduct research and be ready to debate either side of the topic.