Goals for All Forensic Competition
Our Forensic events are designed to promote intellectual growth through friendly competition and positive educational experiences and opportunities. The goal for each participant and coach is to learn, to grow, to exercise and share skills and abilities in a courteous, polished manner.
All participants, observers, and coaches are expected to observe the general principles and concepts of:
- Ethical behavior
- Appropriate demeanor
- Proper decorum
- Honest and original best efforts
- Free interchange of ideas
The aims and responsibilities of a speech & drama coach are to guide the intellectual development of the speakers to promote and provide opportunities for them to develop their skills, as well as to engender good sportsmanship, fair play and individual integrity. The coach is not a speech writer or a theatrical designer. The coach is primarily an educator.
The following practices are considered unethical and pedagogically unsound and are not condoned:
- The altering of material in interpretive events that is contrary to the author’s intent.
- The writing of speeches and introductions by anyone other than the student(s).
- The use of canned (i.e. re-use of previously prepared) speeches for original oration.
- The use of emotional appeals without the evidence to support them.
- The distortion or falsification of evidence.
- The breaching of normal courtesy by heckling, grimacing, or loud whispering while another student is speaking or performing.
- The use of the same material in two different years by the same individual.
Description / Regulations
Ten minutes maximum. Six minutes minimum. This event requires an original, factual speech fulfilling the general end of persuading the audience. The speech must be the original work of the student and may not have been used in competition prior to the current L.E.S.T. Northwest. No audio-visual aids will be allowed. A manuscript must be given to the Adjudicator prior to the presentation, preferably typed. Not more than 150 words of the speech may be a direct quotation from any other speech or writing, and such quotations must be identified in the copy of the speech supplied to the adjudicator. Extensive paraphrasing from other sources is prohibited. NO NOTES ARE ALLOWED.
Adjudication
One or two adjudicators will score each speaker along a rubric, with the final point placement being the average of the scores when two adjudicators are present. Five points shall be awarded in each of the following categories:
- Physical Presentation.
- Selection
- Introduction
- Structure & Delivery
- Vocal Elements
The specific scoring sheet is available by clicking the button further down this page.
Points Placement
22-25: Blue Ribbon Performance
17-21: Red Ribbon Performance
10-16: White Ribbon Performance
Regarding Ribbon levels, competitors are adjudicated on their own performance, not compared to other performers, and all may earn as high as Blue Ribbon level. Additionally, the three highest scores in each category (5th-6th, 7th-8th) may be awarded First, Second, and Third Place awards for best performances in their categories. The adjudication sheets, with valuable comments, will be included in each school packet after the closing of L.E.S.T. Northwest.
It is important that adjudicators write complete evaluations. They should not wait until the round is completed to begin writing constructive feedback. Writing during students’ presentations is permitted. It is critical for the contestants and their coaches to have the educational feedback that justifies adjudication decisions. Adjudicators must strive to be objective in their ratings, not allowing personal opinions or biases regarding an idea or selection to predetermine their impression of a student’s presentation.
Disruption – If an adjudicator feels that circumstances beyond a performer’s control seriously impaired his or her performance (for example, a fire alarm, loudspeaker announcement, etc.), the adjudicator has the option to allow the performer to begin again. Adjudicators should proctor the room to maintain a positive atmosphere.
Time Limits
All forensic events are timed. A competitor’s time should be recorded on the ballot. An introduction is considered part of the speech and must be timed.
Original Oration has a 15-second “grace period” on maximum length. If the judge(s) in a round determine that a speaker has exceeded the maximum time and gone beyond the “grace period,” the speaker shall receive an automatic one-point deduction. If the student fails to reach the minimum time (no grace), the student shall receive an automatic one-point deduction.
How to Participate
All teams must be pre-registered by the deadline. Registration details and deadlines are found on the Registration Page.
Registration must include the Coach’s name and email, first and last name of each participant, and each person’s speech topic.
LEST Northwest 