Forensics Audition
Thank you for your interest in auditioning for Cedarville’s Forensics Team!
Forensics team auditions are held in early April and during the first week of the fall semester. The audition consists of any of TWO of the following:
- An informative or persuasive speech (5-7 minutes)
- An oral interpretation of literature (5-7 minutes)
- An impromptu speech (2 min prep, 5-minute speech)
- A debate round (20 minutes of preparation, 20-minute debate)
You may choose the two events with which you audition. We recommend choosing the two you are strongest in. If you are unsure what you should do, or are trying to decide what to do, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask if there is something in particular we'd like to see from you. Those new to speech and debate receive guidance on preparation expectations.
Before the Audition
Before the audition, Feel free to reach out to us or someone you know on the team if you want more information or more tips!
If you have more questions about the audition, please email Coach Mishne. We look forward to seeing you soon!
What We're Looking For
In the speech auditions, we are looking for speakers who are prepared and confident. A well written speech or intentional acting choice will communicate your true potential as a competitive speaker.
Informative & Persuasive
If you choose to present an informative or persuasive speech, we are observing two areas: the content and the presentation. In the content, we want to see how you approach a topic uniquely and thoughtfully, how well you incorporate research into your speech, and how you structure your speech. In your presentation, we are looking for you to be confident and professional, take command of the room, and implement intentional vocal variety. The speech does not have to be memorized, but speakers who are very familiar with their speech will have an advantage.
Oral Interpretation
If you choose to do an oral interpretation, the primary thing we are looking for is how you can capture the emotional and intellectual potential of the text. We are looking for vocal and physical mannerisms that convey the characters and story in the text. We want to see how you can make the audience feel something about the character or story. We recommend choosing a short story or dramatic monologue. Humor is certainly permitted, but we recommend showing us the range of your emotional expressions.
Impromptu
If you choose to do an impromptu, we are looking for you to show us how you can analyze and think deeply about an idea in a short amount of time. We will give you a quote, then start a two-minute timer. During that time, you will write a speech responding to that quote. You may take notes and use those notes during the speech. At the end of two (2) minutes, you will present your speech that can be up to five (5) minutes. We are looking for creative illustrations, and thoughtful analysis of the quote as well as poise and confidence in delivery.
Debate
In the debate audition, we want to see how you formulate arguments quickly, how you support your position, and how you respond under pressure. We want to see structured speeches that contain clear arguments. Presentation is important, but not as important as the quality of the argumentation.
Debate Format
We will be doing an abbreviated version of an IPDA debate round. You will be paired against another auditionee and given a resolution. You will have 20 minutes to prepare for the debate. A coin toss will decide which side of the resolution you will take. The Affirmative (AFF) speaker will support the resolution, and the Negative (NEG) speaker will oppose the resolution. During prep time, you may access the internet and use any resources available to you. You may not access the internet DURING the round, and you may only speak using handwritten notes you bring into the debate.
Order of debate round and speaking times:
- First Affirmative speech: 5 minutes
- Cross examination of affirmative speaker by negative speaker: 1 minute
- First Negative speech: 5 minutes
- Cross examination of negative speaker by affirmative speaker: 1 minute
- Second affirmative speech: 3 minutes
- Second negative speech: 3 minutes
*There will be no mid-round prep time. The speeches will be back-to-back. You will keep your own time during the round.