Jackrabbits Forensics
Jackrabbits Forensics is one of the oldest co-curricular programs at South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã State, dating back to the late 1880s. We continue to build our legacy by speaking our passion. The 2023-24 season was our most successful in team history, placing 20th in Team Sweepstakes a the American Forensics Association National Speech Tournament, seven semi-finalists and two finalists at the International Forensics Association Contest in Dublin, Ireland.
The Program
Jackrabbits Forensics is a comprehensive, co-curricular forensics program that competes in the 11 American Forensics Association events and parliamentary debates. Our team is one of the oldest student organizations on campus. We have a rich tradition of excellence in collegiate oral interpretation, speech and debate. Our program is rooted in education for speakers of all levels.
Any student enrolled at South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã State University is eligible to participate. Every year there is an audition process for interested students. Students will receive academic credit for their participation in the co-curricular activity.
Program Philosophy
The South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã State University Forensics team is rooted in the liberal arts tradition to both be an extended classroom for students and achieve competitive excellence. All members of the team represent the School of Communication and Journalism, the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã State University.
Goals
The Jackrabbits Forensics Team's primary goal is to develop and enhance oral communication skills through competitive and community performance or public address, limited preparation events, oral interpretation and debates. Together, the team will set competitive and growth goals. Additionally, each individual will set competitive and growth goals with the director of forensics.
Limited Preparation Events
Impromptu Speaking
An impromptu speech, substantive in nature, with topic selections varied by round and by section. Topics will be derived from quotations. Speakers will have a total of seven minutes for both preparation and speaking. Timing commences with the acceptance of the topics sheet. Limited notes are permitted.
Extemporaneous Speaking
Contestants will be given three topics in the general area of current event, choose one and have 30 minutes to prepare a speech that is the original work of the student. The maximum time limit for the speech is seven minutes. Limited notes are permitted. The student will speak in the listed order. Postings of topics will be staggered.
Public Address Events
After Dinner Speaking
An original, humorous speech by the student, designed to exhibit sound speech composition, thematic, coherence, direct communicative public speaking skills and good taste. The speech should not resemble a nightclub act, an impersonation or comic dialogue. Audio-visual aids may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message. Minimal notes are permitted. The maximum time limit is 10 minutes.
Communication Analysis
An original speech by the student designed to offer an explanation and/or evaluation of a communication event such as a speech, speaker, movement, poem, poster, film, campaign, etc., through the use of rhetorical principles. Audio-visual aids may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message. Manuscripts are permitted. The maximum time limit is 10 minutes.
Informative Speaking
An original, factual speech by the student on a realist subject to fulfill the general aim to inform the audience. Audio-visual aids may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message. Multiple sources should be used and cited in the development of the speech. Minimal notes are permitted. The maximum time is 10 minutes.
Persuasive Speaking
An original speech by the student designed to inspire, reinforce or change the beliefs, attitudes, values or actions of the audience. Audio-visual aids may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message. Multiple sources should be used and cited in the development of the speech. Minimal notes are permitted. The maximum time limit is 10 minutes.
Oral Interpretation Events
Dramatic Duo
A cutting from one or more texts of literary merit, humorous or serious, involving the portrayal of two or more characters presented by two individuals. The material may be drawn from any genre of literature. This is not an acting event; thus, no costumes, props, lighting, etc., are to be used. Presentation is from the manuscript and the focus should be off-stage and not to each other. The maximum time limit is 10 minutes including the introduction.
Drama Interpretation
A cutting that represents one or more characters from a play or plays of literary merit. The focus of this event is on the development of characterization. This material may be drawn from stage, screen or radio. Use of manuscript is required. The maximum time limit is 10 minutes including the introduction.
Prose Interpretation
An original or selections of prose material of literary merit, which may be drawn from more than one source. The focus of this event is on the development of the narrative/story. Play cuttings and poetry are prohibited. Use of manuscript is required. The maximum time is 10 minutes including the introduction.
Program Oral Interpretation
A program of thematically-linked selections of literary merit, chosen from two or three recognized genres of competitive interpretation (prose/poetry/drama). A primary focus of this event should be on the development of the theme through the use of narrative/story, language and/or characterization. A substantial portion of the total time must be devoted to each of the genres used in the program. Different genre means the material must appear in separate pieces of literature ( e.g., A poem included in a short story that appears only in that short story does not constitute a poetry genre.) Only one selection may be original. Use of manuscript is required. The maximum time limit is 10 minutes including the introduction.
Poetry Interpretation
A selection or selections of poetry of literary merit, which may be drawn from more than one source. A primary focus of this event should be on the development of language. Play cuttings and prose works are prohibited. Use of manuscript is required. The maximum time limit is 10 minutes including the introduction.
This week-long residential institute will equip students with the tools for success in and out of the round.
Jackrabbits Forensics Alumni Scholarship Fund supports our students on the Jackrabbits Forensics Team. Add "Jackrabbit Forensics Alumni Scholarship Fund" to the notes section of the donation form.
