Speech Handbook

FORENSICS INFORMATING -You must be in good standing with the NSAA to compete in speech. Members can join at any point during the season, however if you want to letter or attend post season event you must meet establish standards.

~What is forensics? Forensics means the art of public speaking. For us, that involves competition in speech and debate. It has nothing to do with dead bodies -- that's forensic medicine! 

~What events are there? Competition is available in twelve different events that fall into three main categories: debate (argumentation), oral interpretation (performance of literature), and rhetorical (written speeches). Much like track, some events are individual and some are group. See the Events for complete descriptions. Also check with Miss Cain, some meets offer different events. 

~Who are the coaches? Miss Cain, Mrs Owen, and Mrs Hilburg are the coaches for speech.  Miss Cain is the advisor for NFL. 

~How does rehearsal work? Speech practices are on M/T/W/TH. Appointments can be made for other times as well. It is asked that you attend two sessions per week with the coach, as well as self-directed practice. Students doing extemp are expected to work on files twice a week at practice plus other times as well. Extempers and Impromptu students are expected to give speeches as well. You will be responsible for signing yourself up for these times. Attendance is taken at practices. 

~What do I need for competition? BHS supplies you with materials (black paper, easels, poster carriers, some scripts, etc.) These are on a first come first serve basis and should be shared. If student want scrip binders they need to buy them. Some students may want particular scripts and you may buy it for your use. You need to have dress clothes for competition. Suits are the hot commodities in the world of forensics fashion, as most dress for success. PLEASE RETURN BHS ITEMS WHEN YOU ARE FINISHED. 

~When are the competitions? Contests take place weekly from the beginning of January through the beginning of April, generally on Friday afternoons or evenings or all day on Saturday. The national contest is held during the middle of June. You do not have to attend every contest on our schedule in order to compete but if you want to letter you must meet the requirements. Remember NSAA states that student can only go to 12 speech meets in a season and this counts the NFL District meet. Not included in the 12 meets are NSAA districts and NSAA state and NFL nationals.

The Burwell Speech welcomes and encourages parents to take an active role in our program. The most successful speech and debate schools rely on outstanding parental involvement to foster the growth of a dynamic team. Parents of all forensic team members will be invited to a special meeting in the fall to receive an orientation about the program and answer any questions they may have.

Judging at the invitational competitions is a possibility for parent involvement as well. There are many ways in which parents can volunteer to help and we'd be glad to put your talents and dedication to work for CHS Speech.

COMPETITIVE FORENSICS EVENTS The following are brief descriptions of the available competitive events. Use these summaries to make some preliminary decisions regarding events in which you would be most interested. More detailed information on each event can be obtained from Miss Cain. Events that require publish material must have an ISBN number or we must have an original copy. This is a MUST for NFL meets.

I. Rhetorical Events: These speeches are researched and written by the speaker her/himself. Be sure to check with coaches to make sure that the topic ideas are appropriate and not overused. A. Informative Speaking * 8 minute maximum time limit * One 4x6 note-card may be used; speech should be memorized * Visual aids are helpful for this event B. Persuasive Speaking * 10 minute maximum time limit * A complete manuscript of the speech is prepared; this must be available to the judge at the conclusion of the speech, along with a bibliography * Speaker may present speech from script; however, it should be memorized * Speech must be well-researched and documented * Topic should be either controversial or inspirational in nature C. Extemporaneous Speaking * Time limit of 5-7 minutes * Speech is prepared at the meet * Speaker draws three topics, chooses one and has 30 minutes to prepare * One notecard may be used to deliver speech; should be memorized * Topics are based on current events, with questions originating in current issues of Time, Newsweek, and US News and World Report. Don't make up sources. * Extempers must contribute to developing the topic files that are taken to meets. Student need to work on the boxes twice WEEKLY as well as practicing speeches. D. Entertainment Speaking * 8 minute maximum time limit * One note-card may be used; speeches should be memorized * Students present an original, well-organized, humorous speech * Props and/or visual aids may be used E. Impromptu Speaking * 3-5 minute time limit * After drawing three topics and choosing one, speaker has 5 minutes of prep time * Speech should follow typical structure and is generally humorous in nature

III. Interpretation Events: With the assistance of coaches, students find quality literature, cut it to meet the time limit, prepare an introduction, and then practice the presentation to bring the literature to life. A. Serious Prose * 10 minute maximum time limit * Manuscript may be used; presentation should be memorized * Presents a serious cutting from a story, novel or play * Selection and presentation should build toward a climax * While many selections contain two or more characters, with more dialogue than narration, the use of monologues in the event is becoming popular and successful. B. Humorous Prose * 10 minute maximum time limit * Manuscript may be used; presentation should eventually be memorized * Presents a humorous cutting from a story, novel or play * Selection and presentation should build toward a climax * A cutting with a minimum of two characters works best for this event as success generally requires comic action and multiple-character dialogue C. Poetry * Time limit of 6-8 minutes * Look for a program--a group of poems tied together either thematically or by author (thematic programs work best) * Speaker must tie the poems together by preparing an introduction for the entire program and place transitions between poems which link them together * Poems must be presented from manuscript; small black notebooks may be used D. Duet Acting * 12 minute maximum time limit * Two students present a cutting of a play that must be memorized * An attention-getting introduction should introduce the play, setting, & characters * Two chairs and a table are the only props which may be used * The scene should contain theatrical elements: blocking, levels, movement, etc. E. Oral Interpretation of Drama (OID) * Maximum time limit of 15 minutes * Three to five students present a cutting from a play * An attention-getting introduction should introduce the play, setting, & characters * Manuscripts must be used * Limited movement and acting are allowed * Stools or staging blocks may be used for levels and arrangement CHS does offer Debate talk to Mrs. Goddard if you are interested in the following:

Debate Events: Students develop research-based arguments for and against a variety of proposals and become skilled at verbalizing these opinions.

A. Lincoln-Douglas Debate -- This is a contest between two debaters. The affirmative debater argues for the resolution by demonstrating that it is the means of achieving a proposed desirable value. The negative debater opposes the resolution by showing that negating the resolution is a means of achieving a proposed desirable value. For example, the value of justice might be achieved by affirming the resolution "Global concerns ought to be valued above conflicting national concerns." The value of societal welfare might be achieved by negating it. B. Student Congress -- This event offers students the opportunity to obtain practice in public speaking, discussion, debate, and parliamentary procedure as required to participate in a democratic process. Students will simulate a mock legislative session. Participants will write and introduce legislation in the form of bills and/or resolutions. The presiding officer will alternately call upon students to give speeches supporting and opposing a piece of legislation. After discussion, the body will vote to pass or reject each bill or resolution and then choose outstanding students C. Turner Debate -- This is a team debate event using a current-events topic that changes monthly. A sample topic: Commercial airline pilots should be armed in the cockpit. Designed to imitate CNN's "Crossfire," team members take turns arguing their position and questioning the opposition. Speakers are judged on their delivery, use of evidence, personal analysis and logical reasoning. No individual speech is longer than 4 minutes and the entire round lasts 35 minutes.

PREPARATION FOR THE SEASON 1. Pay attention to daily announcements for information on speech/debate team meetings and contest information. When in doubt, check with Miss Cain for this information. Information for meets and other announcements will be posted on the closet door in 108. We are going to try using e-mail this year. Check your e-mail regularly as this is how we will most often communicate important information to you. Respond if necessary! 2. Get started on your events as soon as possible. For those of you who might be new to speech and debate competition, refer to the event summaries found in this handbook. The coaches can give you ideas for speech topics, interp materials and debate cases. 3. CHS is a member of the National Forensic League. NFL is an educational honorary for speech and debate. Students become eligible for membership by (1) earning points through competition, (2) ranking in the upper two-thirds of their class. The point system allows students to earn a sequence of degrees/awards. NFL membership is a requirement for participation in the NFL regional meet, which allows students to qualify for national competition. Upon graduation, members in good standing will be given the opportunity to wear the honor cords that signify membership in the NFL. New member to NFL must pay a one time $10 membership fee. Please let the coach know if you do not want to be consider for membership in this group. 4. Don't forget to share this handbook with your parents. Both you and your parent(s) must sign the form stating you read this book. No one will be allowed to compete until this form has been submitted to Miss Cain. ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY AND ATTENDANCE 1. Because speech is an academic activity, students must maintain eligibility by meeting the NSAA requirement: passing at least 20 credit hours of class during the semester prior to competition. 2. Refer to the CHS handbook for policies concerning absences prior to, or the day of, a competition. These policies will be enforced for any member of the forensics team. 3. All of the invitational meets are on Fridays and Saturdays. District and state competitions take place at various times during the week. If you will be missing school because of a contest, it is your responsibility to notify teachers of the classes that you will be missing in advance. Maintaining cordial relationships with your teachers is very important. This includes informing teachers of absences and making up work ahead of time.

LETTERING CRITERIA Speech Letter Meeting the following requirements:

1.Participation: 60% or more of all speech tournaments attended by BHS during year. The student is an active member of the team and attends practices.

2.Excellence: Student gives 5 superior performances during the season or has placed twice in the top ten at a meet.

3. Commitment: attend all post-season tournaments for which student is chosen and/or which a student qualifies. If the student is selected for districts or state they must attend.

Awards are given at the coach's recommendation based on the student's performance, sportsmanship and attitude.

First year: Letter with Speech pin Second through Fourth: Bar for each year NSAA District Team: Mask Pin for each year. NSAA State Speech Meet: Gold Star pin for each year.

NFL The purpose of this organization is to promote the interest of interscholastic debate, oratory, and public speaking by encouraging a spirit of fellowship and by conferring upon deserving candidates a worthy badge of distinction. Members in the Columbus chapter are selected based on academic standing as well as earning 25 points on the NFL scale. New member will need to pay the $10 membership fee. Please tell Miss Cain at the start of the speech season if you don't wish to join this group.

1. Participation: 75 or more National Forensic League points during year

COMPETITION AND PRACTICE RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Students are required to sign up for the various competitions throughout the season. These forms will be located in the speech room and will need to be complete two weeks prior to a tournament. Signing up to compete in a meet means making a commitment to the team as well as the school. Checks to cover our team's registration are written almost one week prior to the actual meet. If a student withdraws from a meet or event at the last minute and doesn't compete, we have lost the money that was paid for his/her registration. The host of the meet is also inconvenienced by the schedule change. Therefore, if you withdraw from a meet or event after the check has been submitted, you are required to reimburse the team for the money spent on your registration. This amount is $15.00 per event. The only exceptions are illness or a family emergency. 2. Practice with the coach at least twice a week. Attending twice a week is a requirement for competition. 3. Students are expected to practice on your own before coming in to work with the coach. There are many students to work with, and listening to a speech that has never been practiced or has not been rehearsed since the previous meet inconveniences other competitors as well as the coaches. 4. When you sign up for a practice, please come to practice at that time. Other students and the coaches plan their time based on those that have previously been scheduled. Failing to show up (without notification) is inconsiderate to your teammates, especially for those involved in any of the group events. 5. Legitimate conflicts with the practice schedule will be dealt with on an individual basis. Work is not considered a legitimate practice conflict unless worked out prior to the season. For each unexcused absence, the student could miss out on going to meets. After the third unexcused absence, the student will be suspended indefinitely from the team. 6. According to NSAA rules students may only attend 12 meets plus NSAA Districts and State. Please note NFL districts counts as one of your 12 meets. The NSAA also has clear guidelines on sportsmanship. These guidelines must be followed by coaches, judges, students, and parents. 

APPROPRIATE APPAREL You are representing Columbus High School, and you are expected to dress up for meets. The judge's first impression of your presentation will be based on how you look. Your personal appearance should make a statement that you take pride in your activity, your presentation, your school, and yourself. Keeping this in mind, please follow these guidelines: DRESS FOR SUCCESS! The old saying is that a picture paints a thousand words and perhaps that applies to the nonverbal picture that is painted by a speaker's clothing. An outfit can make a very strong statement to the audience. Although the perfect attire won't guarantee success, the wrong outfit does guarantee problems. It's very important that nothing distracts from the message and if possible it should attract to the performance. The following guidelines are based on the findings of many public speakers and their experiences. 1. Neatness counts -- Detail is important because all eyes are on the speaker and whether it is a crooked tie, a dangling thread, a hair out of place or a slip showing, it will be noticed. Be meticulous. 2. Never wear busy patterns -- This will distract the listeners. In fact, studies show that the bolder the pattern, the more the audience blinks and if the audience is busy blinking, it listens less. Stick with solid colors vs. prints. This includes TIES!!!! 3. Avoid anything that snaps, crackles, or pops -- Jewelry should be kept to a minimum, especially dangling earrings, noisy bracelets, and gaudy rings because they tend to make noise! 4. Pay attention to detail -- An outfit should be carefully coordinated from shoes to shirt. One good podium costume will take a speaker a long way with the audience. 5. Use color advantageously -- Deep, rich colors can enhance the tone of the speech. The color choice should compliment the event. Avoid looking washed out because of light, monochromatic color combinations. 6. Some no-nos -- Blue jeans, short skirts, hats, boots, slippers, and tennis shoes are not considered acceptable attire. 7. Wear comfortable dress shoes -- You will be doing a lot of walking and standing! 8. Stay dressed up for the whole meet. -- If you break into finals you need to be in professional attire. Once all finals are over you may wear a CHS speech shirt with slacks. We as a team want to have a professional image. 9. Don't overdo it -- One, preferably two, nice outfits can be worn at every weekend tournament. If the student cares for his/her outfit, it will last more than a season. 10. Care for your clothes -- Investing in a garment bag for travel is wise. 

SPECIFIC PROFESSIONAL 

DRESS GUIDELINES: MEN 1. Suits are the way to go! A blazer and slacks can be an appropriate choice as well. Khakis are ok as well. 2. Long-sleeve dress shirts please. White is always safe and there are many great colors as well. Choose something that makes you look sharp. 3. Belts and shoes should match. Shoes should be dress (not casual) and dark socks are a must. 4. Ties should complement the color of your shirt and suit. 5. Hair should be conservative, neat, and off the face.

Acceptable--dress shoes, dress socks, Dockers, slacks, jackets, conservative ties, dark suits, light-colored shirts Unacceptable--Dr. Marten's, athletic shoes, white socks, loud ties, colored shirts 

WOMEN 1. A suit is great for women as well. It does not need to be black. Color is quite appropriate but stay with one color. An elegant red or purple suit on a woman with the right coloring is quite striking. 2. Dresses are appropriate but should be simple, sophisticated, and monochromatic. Skirt length should be to the knee or below. 3. As for jewelry, small and simple is a must. Rings should be limited and bracelets tend to distract. Conservative makeup is best, as is clear nail polish. 4. Shoes should be pumps with a 1 to 2 inch heel. No open toes and dark sheer hose. 5. Hair should be conservative, neat, and off the face. Long hair should be pulled back with something that is unobtrusive and/or matches the suit. Females: Acceptable--dark-colored conservative dresses or suits, pant suits, flat shoes or low-healed shoes, hose or tights, six points of jewelry Unacceptable: wild colors or patterns, short-sleeved or low-cut or midriff shirts, short skirts, high heels or sandals, showy jewelry Coping at Meets 1. Get plenty of sleep before competing. 2. Prepare for competition well in advance. 3. Get to the school early and make sure you have everything you need. 4. Bring something to do when you are not competing. 5. Observe other rounds of competition when you are not competing. 6. Bring a water bottle and food to help maintain your energy. 7. Treat your voice well before and at a tournament. 8. Act confident. Creating a Professional Image 1. Dress Professionally. 2. Act Professionally inside and outside of rounds. 3. Be courteous to other team members, competitors from other teams, judges, and coaches. 4. Arrive at rounds early, sign in with the judge or on the board, and then stay there through the duration of the round. If you are double entered, you may ask your judge if you can leave to go to your other round. Keys to Success 1. Work hard. 2. Work hard. 3. Work hard. There is no substitute for hard work, dedication, and determination. You absolutely must spend hours upon hours preparing yourself for competition. 4. Be coachable. Always ask for and accept suggestions. There is no one from whom you can't learn. 5. Become a student of forensics (speech). Read anything you can get your hands on. 6. Have patience. Very few competitors win awards when they first begin participating. 7. Emulate the best. Watch what winners do. Be like the winners. Become the winners. Become an example for others who want to be winners. A Word about Judges 1. A judge is never at fault when you get a poor ranking. Remember this: no matter who is judging you, it is your job to communicate to them. 2. Judging will always be inconsistent. This is one person's opinion on one day!!

TEAM SELECTION PROCESS 1. All of you who have prepared and practiced your speeches will be allowed to compete in the invitational contests, provided that you meet the eligibility requirements in this handbook. 2. Participation in the district and state meets is limited to two students per individual event and one in each of the group events. In addition, students may only be double-entered at these contests. Selection for these positions will be based on prior tournament placing, willingness to practice regularly, and overall quality of performance. The coach will decide which material and performances would be most successful at the district and state levels. 3. Entries and events are very limited at the regional NFL meet. Decisions on who attends will be made by the coaches and based on accumulation of points throughout the season, overall point total, and adaptability of material to NFL rule requirements. 

TRANSPORTATION Before all events students will be provides with a travel sheet. 1. Before boarding the vehicle, please make sure that you have everything with you that you will need for the meet: scripts, notecards, visual aids, easels, extemp files, etc. Don't forget that scripts must be placed in black notebooks or on black paper. 2. Don't be late! We plan our travel time carefully and don't have time to wait for stragglers. Lateness shows a lack of consideration for the students who arrive on time, the coaches, and the driver. If you have a tendency to oversleep, enlist the help of your parents or a teammate. Missing the van or bus will require you to reimburse the team for your entry fees. If you miss the bus or van do not follow the team. If you decide to meet up with us a parent must be with you or you will not compete. 3. Stereos will not be permitted on the trips. You may bring a portable CD/tape player as long as you have headphones for it. The school is not responsible for theft of these items. Make sure cell phones are always turned off during rounds of competition!!! 4. Transportation to all out-of-town meets will be provided. Competitors may not leave the meet without a coach's permission, as the school is liable for you when you are on a school-sponsored activity. If you have a commitment to another activity or a family event that prevents you from riding the van or bus home from a tournament, you must handle this in accordance with the school transportation policy. 5. Check to make sure that you have all of your personal possessions before you leave the van. Anything left cannot be retrieved until the Monday following a meet. Be sure to check the area around you to make sure that no trash is left. NO SHOWS TO A MEET!! Pleas not this is in the book twice because it is very important. If you sign up for a tournament but do not attend, you will be fined a $15 fee to help cover your unused entry fees. There are medical exceptions. We are dealing with a budget. 

TOURNAMENT RESPONSIBILITIES AND BEHAVIOR 1. Remember that you are representing Burwell High School from the minute you step out of the van in the morning until you re-board it that afternoon or evening. Your behavior and language should be more than acceptable at all times. 2. When we arrive at the host school, we will find an area to assemble. It is at this time that you will receive your speaker codes and specific room assignments. You should have a pencil and paper of some type for recording this information. It is important to pay attention and be patient; this part of the meet can be hectic and time-consuming. After you have obtained your round assignments and any final words of wisdom from your coaches, you can find the rooms in which your rounds will be held. 3. Report to your rounds on time. If you are double- or triple-entered in events taking place at the same time, you should do one of the following: tell the second judge that you are doubling and will return as soon as you have finished your first event, or write your event, code and last name on the board followed by double-entered in the room you will come back to after your first performance. 4. Stay in your rounds and listen to all speakers. The only exception is when you are double-entered in two events taking place at the same time. If that is the case, ask your first judge for permission to leave after you have spoken. When you go to a round that is already in progress, never enter a room while someone is speaking. Wait until the end of a presentation before entering. If you go to a round to watch a friend, you should stay and watch everyone in the round; don't come in for just one person's performance. 5. Give the speakers in your rounds your undivided attention. You should not be reading, whispering, or practicing while someone else is speaking. Remember the golden rule of speaking: be the type of audience member that you want to have. 6. Behave courteously toward contestants, judges, and coaches not only during the rounds, but also throughout the course of the tournament. Remember that judges listen to comments made before the rounds begin and in the hallways. What you do before and after you actually speak can have a significant influence on the judge's final decision. 7. Don't congregate in the hallways while rounds are in progress. This excessive noise can create a real problem for the students who are in the rooms competing. 8. Remember that we are guests of the schools hosting the meets. You must respect their property and their facilities. Don't let trash accumulate during the day in our student area. We will not board the bus until our area has been completely cleaned. Keep track of your personal possessions and all speech team supplies such as easels and stools. You are responsible for all of these supplies. 9. Bring money for your lunch or a sack lunch to eat during a break at the meet. Don't try to go without eating. Speech competition demands a great deal of mental energy, and bringing healthy snacks is a good idea. Drinking plenty of water is also beneficial. Depending upon the location of the meet and its length, we may stop somewhere for a meal on the return home. 10. During awards assemblies, sit with our team. Try not to become impatient while we wait for the results to be announced. Please applaud for every student who wins an award. It is always important to be gracious losers and humble winners. Please congratulate those schools and students who win sweepstakes or their particular events. At no time should you belittle a member of any team. 11. Only take the items that you need with you to meets. If some items seem to be causing problems they can be banned by the coach. Remember extra items take up space. Keep track of items that you borrow from the team and return items to the speech room when you are finish with them. OVERNIGHT TRIPS Currently the state meet is the only overnight trip. District NFL could be an overnight trip depending on the meets location since this is a two day meet. 1. During an overnight trip, you must remember why you are there in the first place--to compete. You are not there for an all-night slumber party. A good night's sleep is important for everyone, including your coaches. You will not perform well, and we cannot become rested to judge or drive vans home the next day if we are patrolling the hallways looking for students who are attempting to escape from their rooms. 2. You will be given a room assignment that will not be changed without the coach's permission. You must abide by the curfew time you are given. Lights out and quiet should follow one half-hour after curfew. Males and females must not be in each others. Room checks will occur to account for everyone. 3. Specific information about all of the overnight trips will be sent or emailed to parents prior to departure. This will include the hotel, phone numbers and all other pertinent information. 4. Please respect others who are staying in the hotel: walk quietly and speak softly in the halls; respect all lodging regulations, don't let doors slam closed behind you; and keep room talk and TV volume at a low level. 5. Remember that there may be up to four of you trying to get ready for the contest. Make sure that you set your alarm or get a wake-up call early enough so that you do not have to rush to get ready or are late for the departure. 6. Make sure that you tidy the room before you leave. We want to make a good impression as guests at the hotels. Remember to check under beds, behind curtains and in drawers for personal items before leaving. 7. All school rules will be followed on overnight trips. Make sure you know the guidelines for student behavior as outlined in the handbooks. The coach reserves the right to enter the rooms by knocking or by pass key in cases of suspicious behavior. Students who violate the rules regarding overnight travel will not be allowed to travel on future overnight trips and, depending on the infraction, may be sent home from the meet at their own expense. PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT CHS Forensics welcomes and encourages parents to take an active role in our program. The most successful speech and debate schools rely on outstanding parental involvement to foster the growth of a dynamic team. Parents of all forensic team members will be invited to a special meeting in the fall to receive an orientation about the program and answer any questions they may have. 

FUNDRAISING Yes, we will be doing some. With our growing program we have to stretch our dollars we get from the district and support ourselves as a team. Team member are expected to participate full in fundraising programs if the want to go to meets. If we work together we can make this a painless as possible. 

FINAL COMMENTS Although these team policies may seem lengthy, I have tried to cover a wide variety of topics, potential questions, and possible problem areas. Not only does public speaking prepare you for life, but it also allows you to develop friendships with your teammates and with students from other schools. I hope that these are some of your very best high school memories and want them to be positive for everyone involved.