What is Forensics, Anyways?
What is Forensics, Anyways?
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Forensics is just a fancy word for speech and debate. That's it. You'll frequently find the word forensics used in academic context, while speech and debate is often used more conversationally and culturally. In any case, the words can be used interchangeably.
TLDR: FORENSICS = SPEECH AND DEBATE
The better question would be, "What's speech and debate?" The way I like to describe forensics to newbies is that speech and debate is basically track and field for nerds. Just how track and field is separated by track events and field events, speech and debate is divided into speech events and debate events. The leading authority on high school forensics, the National Speech and Debate Association, defines it as, "A co-curricular activity that empowers young people to research, discuss, and deliberate over important and timely issues. At every tournament, students present their ideas before judges—ranging from parents and community leaders to alumni and educators—and strive to persuade through logic, evidence, and style.
What about debate events?
What about debate events?
In debate, students will debate various topics, propositions, or even legislation. While no two debate events are the same, there is one central consistency between events; all competitors will either have to argue in favor of the topic being debated (this side is called the affirmation or affirmative), or against the topic being debated (this side is called the negation or negative). Sides are typically random and do alternate in between rounds of debate, so it's important for a good debater to be open to any and all perspectives they might have to argue.
Interested in learning more about debate? Click here!
What about speech events?
What about speech events?
Speech is a little more complicated. Speech is divided into two sections: interpreation, or interp events, and public address. Interp events consist of scripts cut by students, that they then memorize, block, and finally, perform. In public address, students can either research, write, and memorize speeches on a topic of their choice (these events are referred to as platform speech events). On the entirely opposite end of the spectrum, in limited prep events competitors receive a topic on the spot and are given a strict, short amount of time to research, outline, and deliver a speech without using pre-written material. These types of speeches are given off the cuff.
Interested in learning more about speech? Click here!
Speech and Debate MATTERS.
Speech and Debate MATTERS.
Speech and debate is arguably one of the most defining co-curricular activities a kid can be involved in. Numerous studies have highlight the benefits and opportunities it provides to competitors. In particular, Articulate Minds Academy reports that students who compete in forensics score up to 25% higher on standards tests. However, the Brookings Institute notes that only 25% of rural high schools have forensics, compared to 44% of urban schools and 49% of suburban schools. Without competing in speech and debate, rural students miss out.
This is important for two key reasons. Firstly, West Virginia has consistently ranked at the bottom of nationwide education rankings by the U.S. News & World Report. But secondly, as stated by the National Institute of Health, perceptions of rural Americans as inferior stem from disparities in educational access... including a lack of extracurriculars. AKA. SPEECH AND DEBATE.
So, what's Forensics 4 Schools?
So, what's Forensics 4 Schools?
Clearly, speech and debate is pretty important, especially for rural students in West Virginia. That's where we come in. As our name suggests, the goal of Forensics 4 Schools is to bring Forensics... to schools (feel free to laugh). Through our initiatives, we hope to educate students, coaches, and schools about the importance of speech and debate, while also empowering them through the activity.
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