The COD Forensics (Speech and Debate) Team is an excellent opportunity for students to improve their communication, writing, critical thinking and performance skills and is open to all students, regardless of major or performance experience.
Offering four major genres of performance (Public Speaking, Oral Interpretation, Limited Preparation, and Debate), the Forensics team has something for everyone. Many students have stated that the speech program is the most involved and rewarding experience of their college career - and most fun too.
Coaches
- Lauren Morgan
Director of Forensics - Kacy Abeln
Director of Debate - Brandon Wood
Director of Individual Events - Mia Poston
Coach - Kelsey Figiel
Coach
Forensics Team Events
Members of the Forensics team compete against other students from two and four-year colleges/universities in four major genres of events: public speaking, oral interpretation, limited preparation and debate.
(i.e. dramatic readings where the performer holds a script and uses suggested, rather than fully realized, performance choices)
- Dramatic Interpretation: One or more selections of dramatic literature (plays, screenplays) by any author(s) from any period are used in a 10-minute program. If two or more selections are used, they should be developed around a central theme.
- Poetry Interpretation: One or more poetry selections by any author(s) from any period are used in a 10-minute program. If two or more selections are used, they should be developed around a central theme.
- Prose Interpretation: One or more prose selections (novels, short stories, etc.) by any author(s) from any period. If two or more selections are used, they should be developed around a central theme.
- Program Oral Interpretation: A thematic program made up of two or more selections from two or more literary genres (i.e. prose, poetry, drama). The 10-minute presentation should include an appropriate introduction and, if necessary, transitions.
- Duo Interpretation: This 10-minute event consists of a team of two persons who perform a two-person version of a prose, dramatic interpretation, or program oral interpretation. Any genre of literature is permitted and the contestants may play two or more characters.
- Interpreters Theater: The interpretation of a piece or pieces of literature by a group of three or more oral readers who act as a medium of expression for an audience. All types of literature (poetry, prose and/or drama) may be employed. The 25 minute presentation usually remains in the realm of suggestion and stimulates the audience's imagination. Movement is used liberally.
(i.e. public speaking, like you might do in a speech class)
- Persuasive Speaking: The purpose of this 10-minute event is to convince, stimulate, or actuate the audience concerning some significant issue.
- Informative Speaking: The purpose is to describe, clarify, define or explain an object, idea, concept or process.
- Speech To Entertain: The primary purpose of this 10-minute presentation is to entertain. However, as in any speech, there must be a central purpose, theme or thesis around which the speech is developed.
- Communication Analysis: The subject may be a single speech, a single speaker, the rhetoric of a movement, or any other legitimate communication event. The speaker then analyzes in a 10-minute speech the impact of the subject using communication theory found in a journal article or the like.
(i.e. speaking on a moment's notice)
- Impromptu Speaking: Topics are of a philosophical nature, usually consisting of a single word, a quotation or similar. The contestant selects one of three topics drawn and then has a total of seven minutes to prepare and present the speech.
- Extemporaneous Speaking: The contestant is given a choice of three topics concerned with national, international, or economic current events occurring within the previous 90 days. They then choose a topic and have 30 minutes to develop a seven-minute speech. Contestants are allowed to use print materials they have brought with them to the tournament.
- IPDA (International Public Debate Association) Debate: This debate style involves a one-on-one debate. The two debaters choose from a list of 3 or 5 topics that involve topics of fact, value, or policy nature and are then given 30 minutes prepare. In IPDA, debaters are allowed to use documented evidence found on the internet within the 30 minutes to formulate their arguments and defend their given position on the debate topic. Debates last a total of 26 minutes, alternating between debaters.
- Parliamentary Debate: Teams of two choose from a list of 3 or 5 topics of fact, value, or policy nature 15 minutes before the debate is to happen. They then formulate arguments and prepare to defend their given side of the debate. While parliamentary debaters are not allowed to use documented evidence, they can use examples and knowledge afforded to any college student to support their arguments. Debates last a total 40 minutes, alternating between speakers and teams.
COD Stories
“I received some of the best training of my life on the Forensics Team. It taught me professionalism and how to put in the work." - Marisol Nichols
Marisol's COD StoryCOD Stories
“The team consisted of other passionate individuals who were interested in politics and the news and were self-motivated to propose solutions. I thrived in this environment because of the relationships I formed with my teammates and coaches." - Maggie Yancey
Maggie's COD StoryCOD Stories
“I was taught a work ethic that helped me stay motivated and complete whatever I set out to do. I had so much fun on the Forensics team and my success at the national tournament was a turning point and I wanted to do it forever. So I did.” - Jim Dobson
Jim's COD StoryCOD Stories
"You can find a club for every interest, be in the Honors program, join a sports team, study abroad, work on campus and so much more. Don’t let the fact that it is a community college deter you from making one of the smartest decisions of your life." - Gabbi Gruver
Gabbi's COD StoryCOD Stories
Karissa Klos' experience on the Forensics Team at COD developed her presentation skills that she uses daily in her meteorology career.
Karissa's COD StoryFrequently Asked Questions
Being a member of the Forensics team means that you are member of a competitive public speaking and debate team with a long tradition of excellence as competent communicators and success in state, regional, and national competition. As a member of the team, you are expected to develop your communication competence to uphold those standards of excellence.
- Enroll in Speech 1190 (1 credit hour)
- Attend 2 team meetings per week
- Develop 2-4 performances for competition
Forensics requires a time commitment similar to that of an athletic or academic team. Most students spend between 6-10 hours a week attending team meetings, preparing events and coaching. Tournaments require your availability during the entire duration of the tournament.
Tournaments are competitions where individuals compete against other community college and/or four-year college/university students in Public Speaking events, Oral Interpretation events, Limited Preparation events, and Debate. Tournaments typically occur on weekends, and can occur in single day or multiple day formats. The competitive season runs from October to April with tournaments occurring 2-4 times per month.
During a tournament, each competitor will compete in 2-3 preliminary “rounds” during which competitors will perform their event and be judged (single judge) against 4-5 other competitors in each round. Judges rank competitors in each round 1-6 with a rank of 1 representing the best performance in the round. After the preliminary rounds are finished, the judges scores are added, and the top 6 competitors in each event advance to a final round where they are judged by a panel of 3 judges. After the final rounds have been tabulated, an awards ceremony is held where competitors receive trophies for their placement.
During preliminary rounds of competition, you may may perform in front of as few as 1 individual or as many as 40 people. At larger national competitions, you may perform in front of 100 or more people.
No, in fact it is impossible for any student to attend every tournament. Tournament attendance is based on your personal availability, event preparedness, transportation (space on college vehicles), and tournament entry limitations.
Events have four categories: Oral Interpretation, Public Speaking (platform), Limited Preparation, and Debate.
The Forensics Team is supported by the activity fees you pay at registration which supports the team’s transportation, entry fees, lodging (when necessary), and some meals. You may have to pay for your meals.
Competitors are required to perform in business attire, so you may need to purchase an outfit for competition. However, the coaching staff and team members are very thrifty and know how to acquire clothing that is appropriate for each student’s budget.
There are three ways to get involved:
- Fill out the member interest form online. Once received a current team member or coach or a will contact you via email or phone.
- Stop by the Forensics office, Student Services Center (SSC), Room 1216. View a map of the team room location.
- Contact one of the coaches via email, phone or office visit.
Contact Information
Kacy Abeln Stevens, Director of Forensics
Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 2E07K
Phone: (630) 942-2175
Email: abelnk@cod.edu
Contact Information
Kacy Abeln Stevens, Director of Forensics
Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 2E07K
Phone: (630) 942-2175
Email: abelnk@cod.edu