SpeechGeek Postings

If you’ve linked up to our site via and RSS feed or stumbled here via a Google search, it comes as no surprise that things have been dormant at SpeechGeek postings for the some time.

The blog was initially created when we had an HTML website and wanted a quick and easy way to share site updates and news.  Since launching our new website last fall and offering our products through the Yahoo Store System, we haven’t really figured out what to do with SpeechGeek Postings.

We’ve been busy, mind you.  We partnered with Logan Scisco last fall to expand coverage at our sister site Extemp Central.  We’re now running DebateChamps.  Busy, busy, busy.

However, we’re looking for SpeechGeek Postings to make a comeback at this year’s Kentucky High School Speech League, Inc. state tournament in March.  Our goal to provide live coverage of the event.  Additionally, we’re eyeing offering live coverage of the 2010 National Forensic Association college national tournament.

Hope you stick around for the fun.

An Extemper’s dilemma

Extemporaneous speaking is perhaps the most demanding of all forensics activities. It requires the research skills of a policy debater, the theory of a Lincoln-Douglas debater, and the speaking of a polished orator.  However, there are a few key differences between extemporaneous speaking and the previously mentioned events.  The first of which being that in extemporaneous speaking there is no one arguing against the speaker (barring a round with a built in cross examination period), thus a speaker must sufficiently address all arguments in order to have a complete persuasive presentation.  The extemporaneous speech is more analytically demanding than an oratory, and its topics change every round.  Perhaps, the most vital difference is the fact that an extemporaneous speaker only has seven minutes and just one speech to relay to the judge a message.  The speech must include analysis that is as deep-if not more so- than a debate case, while speaking well and engrossing the judge.  For unlike a debater an extemporaneous speaker doesn’t have the option to speed up to include all of his/her information.  This brings up an overbearing burden on the modern speaker: how to most efficiently include arguments while not increasing the rate of delivery.

The clearest way to resolve this issue is to use substructure.  Despite the way that this word strikes fear in the hearts of speakers across the nation, it is actually quite beneficial.  Unfortunately, it seems that the world of extemporaneous speaking has been burdened with adherence to the universal two sub point formula.  This format is highly unspecific and maybe a hindrance to effectively answering a question.   The following paper will seek to resolve this particular quagmire by addressing three specific types of substructure with direct application to extemporaneous speaking.

(more…)

Background

Over the last several weeks, international extempers have most likely read about the recent political developments in South Africa, arguably the strongest power on the African continent.  For those extempers that have not had a chance to catch up on these developments, Thabo Mbeki is no longer president of the country.  After a prolonged political struggle between Jacob Zuma, who was Mr. Mbeki’s deputy president (a position most akin to vice-president in the United States) and who deposed Mr. Mbeki as leader of the African National Congress (ANC) in December, it appears that Mr. Zuma has won.  This victory came within the span of a month when Mr. Zuma was first acquitted of fraud and corruption charges based on a judicial technicality.  The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the body of the South African judiciary who initiates criminal cases for the government, was said in the dismissal of the charges to have been influenced in its prosecution by Mr. Mbeki and his supporters.  This finding by the judge overseeing Mr. Zuma’s case gave weight to charges, long echoed by Mr. Zuma’s supporters, that Mr. Mbeki has been an overzealous president who has been intolerant of political opposition and that Mr. Mbeki has been willing to use the instruments of the state to clamp down on this dissent.  On September 20^th, the ANC decided that Mr. Mbeki should resign his post in order to end the political struggle that has gripped the country for three years.

Having set the background, this brief will give an overview of the structure and history of South Africa’s political system, the current state of the government, and what challenges that government faces in the future.

(more…)

Overview
While we tend to focus on the direct impacts of things–what the leaders did, what the laws mandate, how the battles are being fought, etc.– we can also analyze the messages that are sent along with those actions. For every mandate a law has, it also sends a message that effects people that may have no tangible relationship with the law. Thus, when you are in a pinch you can always look at the rhetorical element of the question and add a brilliant extra point. This brief will teach you how to pull off this particular rhetorical flourish.

(more…)

Overview
Before you can really get going on the season, there are a few fundamental that are always worth noting. Many judges will tell you they can get a sense of where a speaker will place in the round within the first minute of the speech. To that end we are going to focus more on theory and strategy. In that vein we are going to start with analysis on how to write a quality introduction. In extemp, a good introduction is supremely important, without one a good speech is impossible. In a good intro you will set up all of the background for the speech and justify why you speech is the most important in the round. Moreover, the better the introduction the less work you have to do in the body of the speech. Follow this formula and your intros will be golden in no time flat.

(more…)

Overview
What is the first rule of extemp? Answer the question. In the majority of rounds if you are able to answer the question, you will be one of the top extempers in the round. When I say answer the question, I mean this very specifically. Answer every aspect of the question, don’t just use it as a prompt to talk about what you want to discuss. Because answering the question is so important, this brief is going to explain how to break down a question so that you know exactly what it is asking. Once you know this, you can formulate a speech that is a direct answer. Away we go, into how to answer the question land.

(more…)

SpeechGeek is excited to share information with our readers about a free new podcast for high school debate.

Loquitur is an Internet podcast dedicated to interviewing academic and professional experts on current National Forensic League debate topics for the free educational benefit of high school students competing in Lincoln-Douglas and Public Forum Debate. Loquitur is brought to you courtesy of Trinity Briefs and Georgia Forensics Daily.

For more information, or to have a listen, visit their website: http://loqdebate.com.

We’re flipping the publication schedule a bit with the early release of SpeechGeek’s Season Five: Anniversary 2008. Season Five: Nationals 2008 will now be available on April 15, 2008.

Pinnochiante by Allen Harris
Humorous Interpretation

Everyone knows the story of Pinocchio, right? Author Allen Harris provides a muy caliente spin on a fairy tale classic that provides a modern sensibility with a hint of sarcasm. Okay, more than just a hint.

The Crayon Map by Oliver Leslie and Christopher Marianetti
Dramatic Interpretation

People deal with loss in different ways. Some folks turn to rationalization, while others resort to pure escapism to cope with life and loss. This dramatic interpretation spins out of reality into a fantasy word of possibility that provides hope for Aaron as he deals with the loss of his younger sibling. An exciting selection that combines heart and humor with hope and loss!

Ahidjo by Christopher Marianetti and Cormac Copperhead
Humorous Interpretation

Its often said that given enough time we will eventually become our parents. In the short term, that seems like an impossibility. For Jacub, that impossibility becomes a reality as a magic flower transports him back in time to live the life of his relatives. Through his experiences he becomes more appreciative of the lives of his ancestors and earns a better appreciation of what it takes to be a father and a son.

Rodger Dodger by Lindsey Marquette
Dramatic Interpretation

When most kids want a dog, they beg until their parents give in. Some folks, like Abby, just steal one and hope no one else notices. This delightful script provides a look at the lessons learned from both getting and owning a pet. A great script for middle school students that will charm audiences.

Inspired by a True Story by William Ruff
Dramatic Interpretation

Hollywood has told the tale of Jake, an exceptional young man with a story that has caused millions to fall in love with him. The only problem is that the Jake on screen isn’t the person in real life. Even though Jake has a learning disability, he has high hopes for his own success and chance at stardom. When his dream falters, it forces him to examine the differences between the uplifting story on screen and disappointment from missed opportunities.

In case you’re late to the party, The Great Debaters opens this Christmas. The movie is based on the true story of Melvin B. Tolson, a professor at Wiley College Texas. In 1935, he inspired students to form the school’s first debate team, which went on to challenge Harvard in the national championship. The National Forensic League and Princeton Review are evening sponsoring a contest that ties in with the release of the film. It seems as though the world of forensics can’t get enough about this film.

News also comes along today of the film’s director and star Denzel Washington has donated $1 million to reestablish the Wiley College Debate Team.

Though the Holidays are right around the corner and the first semester has come to a close, there’s no reason to slack off when it comes to Extemp prep. SpeechGeek enters week three of our Extemp HOTtopics service preview. You can preorder this subscription service, which begins on January 2, 2008, through our online partner DebateChamps. For now, enjoy these 50 questions to keep you sharp and ready for the road to nationals. It’s Vegas, baby! Don’t miss out.

Domestic
What role will the courts play in the CIA tape scandal?
Were recent fed reforms to the mortgage industry enough?
What more can the south east do to cope with drought?
Can exports save the US economy?
What impact will toy safety scandals have on holiday shopping habits?
Will Iraq funding find its way into the budget?
Can high tech industry save small town America?
Is inflation a becoming a problem?
What will be the lasting impact of the Mitchell report on Baseball?
Is Nevada ready for its early caucus?
Is the EPA finally poised to tackle the issue of greenhouse emissions?
What impact will Iowa’s rural population’s primary choices have on the 2008 general election?
Is the new budget spending too much? (more…)