Why Forensics?

Why should you join the LSW Forensics Program? 

“Competitive forensics events at Southwest offer students the opportunity to practice and refine the skills of communication while developing the self-confidence needed to speak in front of an audience. The added element of competition serves to raise the bar, providing the extra incentive students need to give their best, and in so doing, reach their potential. Participation in speech and debate produces articulate, interesting individuals who know how to defend what they believe. They become citizens who possess the power of confidence and the precision of language necessary to make a significant impact on their world.” (Source: Jerry Wilks, former Lincoln Southwest Principal) 

What Are The Benefits For Students? 

1. Forensics offers students an opportunity to develop research, critical thinking, organization, persuasion, and oral communication skills. 

2. Forensics appeals to students with different goals and interests. It provides useful career preparation in law, education, politics, broadcasting, religion, public affairs, and business. 

3. Forensics enables students to clarify their personal and social values through confrontation with the value judgments of others. 

4. Students learn respect for dissenting opinions and acquire knowledge and skills crucial to effective participation in a democratic society. 

5. Forensics provides students with an opportunity to develop social skills, including teamwork by competing responsibly and effectively in an intellectual environment. (Source: James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA) 

Does Speech & Debate Impact College Admissions? 

The National Speech and Debate Association, with its mission of training youth for leadership, is one of a handful of national high school organizations which leading colleges use as a barometer of success. Forensics demonstrates a student’s ability to dedicate him or herself to a goal and pursue it relentlessly – evidence of dedication and passion. Additionally, speech and debate students tend to score higher on standardized tests including the SAT and ACT. Both factors translate into higher than average acceptance rates into top-tier colleges and universities. The benefits extend beyond admission, as well; forensics students receive more scholarships than their counterparts. For the academically driven high school student, this combination of skill development and resume building can provide a ticket to highly exclusive educational opportunities – opportunities for which they are well prepared. (Source: Minh A. Luong, Asst. Prof. of Ethics, Politics, & Economics at Yale) 

How Does LSW Forensics Work? 

We begin new member auditions and training sessions in September. Beginning the first week of October, our teams meet together every Monday from 3:15-3:45. October also marks the beginning of after-school rehearsals, which are determined by the event in which you participate. Debaters have two days of rehearsals from 3:30-5:30 each week. Speech team members individually choose a 30-minute coaching time on Mon-Tue-Wed-Thu between 3:30-5:30. Speech also offers later rehearsal slots on Wednesday evenings from 6-8 pm. Competition begins in November and continues through the end of March. Tournaments occur on either Friday evenings or Saturdays and are primarily held in Lincoln or Omaha. Select members of our varsity teams are invited to travel to regional and national tournaments during the year. Our coaching staff, made up of current and retired teachers, along with alumni of our program, is focused on the educational process of making kids strong competitors and stronger students. 

Are Classes Available? 

Yes, during Term 1, we offer Oral Comm-Diff (speech team focus) and Oral Comm-Debate (debate team focus). These classes allow students to meet the LPS Oral Comm graduation requirement while learning about the competitive events and preparing for upcoming tournaments. These are not required but highly recommended. Please see your counselor about the possibility of adding either of these courses to your class schedule.

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