Speech

The students compete in a variety of forensic events to develop skills in argumentation, performance, and communication. The events include:

Cross-examination policy debate - a team debate that involves recommending a governmental policy change and argues the advantages of the proposed change. This debate is based on current events and is very fast paced.

Lincoln-Douglas value debate - one competitor argues the merits (morality) of a topic. This debate is grounded in philosophy and relies heavily on persuasive communication skills.

Extemporaneous speaking - is speaking on a current event topic with 30 minutes of preparation. The speaker has seven minutes to present the information on the topic and must cite all sources. No notes are used. This is divided into foreign and domestic areas.

Original oratory - the student researches and writes a speech about an issue in society. The speech is memorized, must be 10 minutes in length, and relies on persuasive communication skills.

Duet acting - the performance of a play or story by two actors. The performers do not use make-up, costumes, settings, or props to perform the selection.

Humorous/Dramatic Interpretation - the performance of literature through limited body movement, vocal variety, strong characterization, and facial expressions. The students have no costumes, sets, props, or make-up.

Prose/poetry interpretation - the performance of a story or poem using vocal variety and facial expressions to convey the meaning of the selection. The students use no movement, costumes, sets, props, or make-up in their presentation.

Tournaments: WHS will host its fifth Texas Forensic Association state qualifying tournament on January 5-6, 2006.

Communication Applications

Course Description –The purpose of this course is to teach students how to identify, analyze, develop, and evaluate communication skills needed for professional and social success in interpersonal situations, group interactions, and personal and professional presentations.

Course Content – This course will include understanding of the communication process, effective verbal and nonverbal communication skills, increased confidence, enhanced listening skills, awareness of leadership skills, group management skills, enhanced presentation skills, enhanced presentation skills, research skills, organizational concepts, analytical skills, and persuasive techniques.