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.
New and returning OCC students can join the team now!
- This is a rebuilding year, and we’re looking for team members and a president!
- With the right planning, you could be prepared for the fall and winter events, get scholarship money, and shine too!
- Remote and in-person coaching sessions are available throughout the summer.
Upcoming Events Include:
- Team meetings include
- Friday, September 20, 1PM (Zoom or in-person at Orchard Ridge G111)
- Friday, September 27, 1PM (Zoom or in-person at Orchard Ridge G111)
Additional team meetings and individual coaching to be added based on participants' schedules (Email cabennet@oaklandcc.edu for Zoom link and passcode!)
- September 28 – The MISL Novice Zoom Event
- 9:30AM Rd. I (Prose, Informative, Persuasion, DI, Impromptu)
- 10:45AM Rd. II (Prose, Informative, Persuasion, DI, Impromptu)
- 12:00PM Rd. III (Prose, Informative, Persuasion, DI, Impromptu)
- 1:30 PM Brown Bag Lunch and General Round Table Students and coaches can ask questions about forensics and meet each other.
- 2:00-2:30PM Interpretation Workshop hosted by Carole Bennett (OCC) –This 2024 Information Performance Interpretation Video may be helpful, but it is not required. (19 min.)
- 2:30-3:00PM Public Address Workshop hosted by Lee Schwab (EMU) – This 2023 Public Address Workshop Video may be helpful, but it is not required. (43min.)
- 3:15-3:45PM Limited Prep Workshop hosted by Ryan Rigda (SVSU) – This 2023 Limited Preparation Workshop Video may be helpful, but it is not required. (28 min.)
- Awards on Zoom at 3:45
- December 7 at Ferris State Tournament! – The team will leave Dec. 6 for this one-day event
- February Novice Tournament - Northwood University
- March State Championships - Wayne State University
- Nationals are at Wayne State April 17-21, 2025
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.