Forensic Team

Forensic Team

This speech, performance and debate team offers a high-quality learning opportunity.  Our team competes from September-April, travels to two or three tournaments a semester, and OCC covers the cost of judging, registration and etc.  Undergraduate students in good academic standing can compete in one or more events (Informative Speaking, Poetry, Dramatic Interpretation, Parliamentary Debate and more), earn college credit for their work, and may even be eligible for scholarship money. See event descriptions and sample speech links on this page. 

First, Congratulations to the OCC Forensic Team for all the successes during the 2023-2024 Year!

    • At the March 2nd Michigan Intercollegiate Speech League (MISL) State Championships, the team took four Top Novice Awards: Impromptu (Patrick Strand), Informative (Daniel Akintunde), Duo (Jay Arseneault and Alex Sprinkle), and Dramatic Interpretation (Alex Sprinkle). 
    • On Dec. 2 at the Fall MISL the results included: Jay Arseneault and Alex Sprinkle Duo: 2nd (They qualified for nationals with this finish), Patrick Strand 4th Impromptu and 4th  Impromptu Sales (He qualified for Nationals with these finishes), Danial Akintunde 4th Informative (He qualified for Nationals with this finish).
    • The team also took Second Place at the MISL Mini held remotely via Zoom!  The individual finishes were: Impromptu = 1st Place Informative (Patrick Strand), 1st Place Informative (Jackson Belanger), 2nd Place Informative (Daniel Akintunde),  3rd Place Prose (Hayzel Goodman).  Congratulations to all!
    • At the asynchronous Saginaw Valley State Tournament in Sept., and we had one entry.  The result: Impromptu =1st Place Patrick Strand! 

Second, returning OCC students can submit their videos for the 2nd Annual Speech and Drama Prize competition! 

  • Submissions are due June 17, 2024, and a submission link will be placed here in May.   
  • The event is Judged by professionals, and at least $1000 in Forensic Scholarship prize money will be awarded!  
  • Already registered OCC students can submit a video of an 7–10-minute performance (poetry, drama, prose, a mix) or an original speech (informative or persuasion) to win fall tuition money! 
  • (OEC and Dual Enrolled students can compete, but they are not eligible to win prizes.) 

Dramatic Event Explained

  • Each contestant is to prepare and deliver one 7–10-minute performance that can be a monologue (one or multiple monologues), prose (short stories or cuttings from longer stories), poetry /or spoken word or a combination of two or more of the genres listed. Performances using multiple pieces should have a unifying theme, and performers can represent one or more characters. An original introduction should be included in this time frame. Performers are encouraged to perform from memory but are allowed to hold a script if needed. If the performer has performed at a forensic performance competition previously, the performer is not allowed to use the same piece that they already competed with. If more than one selection is used, original transitions can be used as needed. Movement is acceptable, but it should be visible within the stationary recording frame. No props nor costumes are to be used.
  • Dramatic events may be ranked based on some of these considerations: 
    • Some Specifics:  Performance Piece Choices, Clear Unifying Theme, Introduction, Etc. 
      Delivery: Strong Character Choices, Emotional Arc, Projection and Variation of Vocal Tone, Physicalization 
  •  

Informative or Persuasive Speech Event Explained

(Humor is Allowed)

  • Each contestant will deliver an original, factual speech fulfilling the general purpose of informing or persuading the audience. (Humor is also allowed) Speeches should be appropriate for a college audience and within the time limits. (Time limit 7-10 minutes) Speakers are allowed to hold notes or perform from memory. Any information from outside sources that are used in the speech should be accompanied with complete oral citations that are stated at the time the information from the source is used. Visuals may or may not be used to supplement and/or reinforce the message. If the performer has performed at a forensic speech competition previously, the performer is not allowed to use the same piece that they already competed with. 
  • Speeches may be ranked based on some of these considerations:
    • Some Specifics:   Topic Choice, Audience Analysis, Language, Citations, Visuals, Etc.  
    • Organization: Clearly Organized Introduction, Body, Conclusion, Etc. 
    • Delivery: General Attitude, Voice, Body, Use of Notes, Etc.  

Third, all OCC students are invited to join us and become team members.  You can start working now on fall events!  

  • With the right planning, you could be prepared for the fall events, get scholarship money, and shine too! 
  • Remote and in-person coaching sessions are available throughout the spring and summer.
  • We are also looking for a president or co-presidents. 

If you join the team, you can help us continue to be successful, and you will certainly benefit too.  As Inc. Magazine says, “Public Speaking is No Longer a ‘Soft Skill.’ It’s Your Key to Success in Any Field." So, any improvement in your presentation skills will support your success in college and beyond!

Why not try something new, meet others at OCC, and network with individuals from other schools!?

To set up a coaching appointment or get the Zoom link, email Ms. Bennett.