Preorder Extemp Central’s Commentary Brief for Only $10

Posted on Sunday, May 29, 2011 by The Geek

Logan Scisco, 2003 NFL United States Extemporaneous Speaking Final Round National Champion and Extemp Central founder, breaks down the ten topic areas for Extemp Commentary in this exclusive NFL Extemp Commentary brief for DebateChamps.  Logan describes the issues that commentators may face during the tournament and provides some tips to ensure success for this unique supplemental event.

Preorder the brief for the low price of $10 at DebateChamps.

The Extemp Central Topic Analysis will review each of the 10 possible Commentary areas for the 2011 National Tournament. The brief will be delivered via email on Saturday, June 4, 2010.

Extemp Commentary 2011 Topic Areas

  • 2000 vs. 2010: A Decade of Differences
  • The Budget Crunchies
  • Campaign 2012: Contenders and Bit Players
  • Looking for Unions and Their Labels
  • Notable Deceased Since 2010 Nationals
  • Rogue Nations and Nations Ruled by Rogues
  • Social Media vs. Actual Socializing
  • Tea for Two Parties
  • Who’s Afraid of Foreign Trade?
  • Wicked Wikis and Lamentable Leaks

Spend your time working toward your main event. If that doesn’t pan out, we’re here to help you be as competitive as possible in Extemp Commentary!

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Preorder SpeechGeek’s NFL Supplemental Debate Brief for only $15

Posted on Sunday, May 29, 2011 by The Geek

SpeechGeek’s Supplemental Debate brief will contain essential background knowledge on each topic, providing you with the necessary information fast when you’re Aff or Neg.

Purchase the brief at DebateChamps for the low price of $15!

Hate getting stuck with just one case option? No worries! The files contain multiple plan text options to suit your needs. Each plan text is accompanied by advantage/contention outlines as well as detailed links to outside research, making Nationals preparation quick and easy. On the Negative? We’ve got you covered. The briefs contains both generic and case specific disadvantages and case turns to make prepping on the negative easier. Nationals is stressful. Make prepping simple.

The SpeechGeek Topic Analysis will review each of the 22 possible Supplement Debate resolutions for the 2011 National Tournament. The brief will be delivered via email on Saturday, June 4, 2010.

Supplemental Debate Topic Resolutions

  • This House believes that the US is safer after the death of Osama bin Laden
  • This House would end oil subsidies in the United States
  • This House would lift the debt ceiling
  • This House would transition Medicare to private health care plans
  • This House would withdraw troops from Afghanistan
  • This House would prefer the use of tax credits rather than vouchers to preserve school choice
  • This House believes that the parent who pressures least, parents best
  • This House believes that the US economy is improving
  • This House would use tax increases rather than spending cuts to reign in deficit spending
  • This House believes the US should take a more active role in the Arab-Israeli compromise
  • This House would ban fraternities and sororities on college campuses
  • This House would end government support of the mortgage market
  • This House believes that a college education is a good investment
  • This House would ban corporal punishment in schools

Spend your time working toward your main event. If that doesn’t pan out, we’re here to help you be as competitive as possible in Supplemental Debate!

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Follow Updates from the 2011 NCFL Grand National Tournament on Twitter

Posted on Sunday, May 29, 2011 by The Geek



Posted in 4n6, NFL/CFL, Tournaments | Leave a comment

Follow Updates from the American Forensics Association National Individual Events Tournament via Twitter

Posted on Sunday, April 3, 2011 by The Geek

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Forensics Snuggies Now Available at SpeechGeek

Posted on Wednesday, December 15, 2010 by The Geek

The folks at SpeechGeek debated for a while about what we should call this product…

A speaker cozy? A suit bib? A warm-up suit?

Instead, we’ll simply call it what it is: a forensics themed, officially licensed Snuggie!

Perfect for a cold squad room or bus rides to tournaments during the winter months, this blanket with sleeves keeps you totally warm and gives you the freedom to use your hands–you know, to gesture or hold an interp binder–while remaining in total warmth and comfort.

The Snuggie blanket is made with super soft, thick, luxurious fleece with roomy, oversized sleeves that let you do what you want while keeping warm.  As a bonus, each order contains a complimentary book light. Start reading your ballots on the ride home to prepare for next week!

Orders placed prior to December 20, 2010, will ship that Monday. Individuals wishing to purchase the item as a Christmas present should select PRIORITY DELIVERY to ensure arrival before Christmas. All additional orders will ship no later than December 29, 2010.

Purchase yours in royal blue or burgundy featuring our two most popular slogans right now in our online store!

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Former College Champion Experiences Forensics Abroad

Posted on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 by The Geek

The Final round was broadcasted live on Korean National T.V.

Forensics is a global activity.  Our friends at Global Debate prove that the case through their insightful commentary and updates from competitions across the globe.

2010 National Forensics Association college Individual Sweepstakes Champion Dan Glaser is currently teaching in South Korea.  He recently had an opportunity to attend an English-language forensics tournament with a friend.

Dan commented on the format of the tournament and other elements:

In case you’re wondering…. the tournament was conducted 100% in English and most of the kids were impressively fluent. The tournament followed Asian Parliamentary Format (read about it here if you want). There were three preliminary rounds, then Quarters, Semis, and Finals. The winning team took home 1,000,000 won (a thousand bucks)!

On the day of the tourney, I got in a last minute coaching session with my friend’s students and had a funny min-session with a very nervous 12 year-old girl who I had to convince there is no mathematical formula to calculate the amount of eye contact you should be making during a speech.

Do we have any international Speech Geeks reading the blog?  If so, tell us about your tournaments and competitive experiences.

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Sports Aren’t the Only Rigorous Extracurricular. So is Debate.

Posted on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 by The Geek

In a football crazy state like Texas, it comes as little surprise that some individuals might not view competitive forensics on the same level as athletics.

Maybe not. Rolando Valeasquez offers some compelling commentary in the Dallas Morning News‘ editorial section.

Like football players, debaters have to have quick reflexes. When debating and listening to our opponent’s arguments, we have seconds to process the information and develop counter-arguments. A few weeks ago, I debated at the nationally renowned debate hosted by St. Marks School of Texas, going up against some of the best debate teams in the nation. I was thoroughly exhausted, my brain and body drained of energy.

Like football, debate is intensively competitive. Rivalries develop, just like in any other sport. You know which teams you want to beat, yet you develop a begrudging admiration for their tactics and strategies.

Like in other sports, we debaters are scouted out and recruited by some of the most prestigious colleges and universities. Scouts frequently attend the high-profile tournaments to identify debaters. Scholarships are offered to those lucky and gifted debaters.

What do you think?

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Video: I’m On the Speech Team

Posted on Friday, November 5, 2010 by The Geek

We’ve all had that horribly awkward conversation with a friend, classmate, or coworker about forensics.  Generally, the first statement out of their mouth will be something like “So…you see a lot of dead bodies?” If you tell them you’re on the speech team, then folks will probably ask “Is that like debate?”  If you do LD, PF, CX, Parli or other forms of debate, well, it is like debate.  If you compete in interp, public address or limited prep events, no, it’s not like debate.  The PG-13 video above demonstrates the frustrations of sharing our favorite activity with the world.

I’m just surprised someone who is on the speech team has such a monotone voice.

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SpeechGeek’s Season Eight: Winter 2011 Issue Now Available

Posted on Friday, October 15, 2010 by The Geek

Our latest issue of interp scripts is now available!

Our latest issue of interp scripts is now available!

SpeechGeek Season Eight: Winter 2011

Quality forensics performance material is often difficult to find. SpeechGeek provides high school coaches and competitors with scripts that are not only challenging, but also of strong literary merit. Each issue of SpeechGeek contains five scripts in a variety of events: prose interpretation, poetry interpretation, humorous interpretation, dramatic interpretation, and duo interpretation. SpeechGeek’s interp scripts are written by winning authors who know what it takes to make final rounds at all levels of competition.

Hypothetically Yours by Katie Newport Duo Interpretation (Male/Male)

Brian comes to his best friend Jeremy for advice about the best way to propose to his longtime girlfriend. The two work through a variety of hypothetical situations in which the proposal could go right…but they each go horribly wrong. There’s lot of room for physicality and humor in this introductory offering from Katie Newport.

Chasing Snowflakes by Katie Newport Duo Interpretation (Male/Female)

A snowy evening force Michael and Anna, two young people in love, to reflect on their first date. It turns out that their relationship almost never happened. Through a series of misunderstandings, Michael begins to wonder why they are even still together. A snowy evening brought them together, but it may bring an end to their love, too.

How to Do Nothing Successfully by Clint Snyder Humorous Interpretation

Mall-Mart’s all-start team leader Ricky introduces a new crop of employees to the practices that ensure Mall-Mart employees are top notch. It’s too bad that Ricky is an undercover spy for Jay Mart.

For My Baby by Beatrice Pickens Dramatic Interpretation

Picken’s short duet follows a young couple through various stages in their life and relationship. Stopping in at ages eight, sixteen, and twenty-five, the story explores the growth of their twisted relationship from infatuation, to control, to new life, and death.

Reggie Wilson: Boy Detective by Christopher Rife Humorous Interpretation

Reggie Wilson is Apple Valley’s greatest boy detective. Reggie’s only problem is that he doesn’t have a clue. A wild cast of characters follow Reggie as he attempts to determine if their teacher is a robot! (Hint: He is!) Goofs and gags are aplenty an HI that is sure to please audiences.

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SpeechGeek’s Season Eight: Fall 2010 Issue Now Available

Posted on Sunday, September 5, 2010 by The Geek

Season Eight: Fall 2010

Season Eight: Fall 2010

Purchase this issue in the SpeechGeek Store.

SpeechGeek Season Eight: Fall 2010

Quality forensics performance material is often difficult to find. SpeechGeek provides high school coaches and competitors with scripts that are not only challenging, but also of strong literary merit. Each issue of SpeechGeek contains five scripts in a variety of events: prose interpretation, poetry interpretation, humorous interpretation, dramatic interpretation, and duo interpretation. SpeechGeek’s interp scripts are written by winning authors who know what it takes to make final rounds at all levels of competition.

Science: No Boys Allowed by Jane Nicolaas Duo Interpretation (Female/Female)

Two sisters are on a quest to win the school science fair in this wacky comedy debut by Jane Nicolaas. Precocious youngster Ina takes her annoying younger sister Angelica along for the ride as the two explore the male of the species. Can they create the perfect boy?

Diamond Dreams by Jane Nicolaas Dramatic Interpretation

Miguel Santana is a young Dominican man who dreams of something more in life. His world is filled with poverty, yet his hopes are pinned on the one thing he knows he can do: throw a baseball. When an American agent comes into his life, Miguel may have finally found an avenue to save his family and provide them with a better life. Mr. Jack, though, sees only a better life for himself—and his bank account—in Miguel’s talent. A story of dreams and aspirations that is sure to wow audiences.

Endangered Species by Jane Nicolaas Prose Interpretation

A college student accompanies his girlfriend to a doctor’s visit he wish he didn’t have to attend. Despite being in love, they are not ready to see through an unplanned pregnancy. It’s an uncomfortable situation to say the least: “The woman stares at me. I guess that’s the wrong thing to do? I don’t know. I guess I forgot my abortion etiquette handbook: What to Expect When You’re about to Stop Expecting.” In a room of women who expect him to be the bad guy, he demonstrates that timing is everything and nothing at all.

Prima Ballerina by J.D. Taylor Dramatic Interpretation

Athena Pallas may now be an old, bitter dance instructor, but she was once one of Europe’s most gifted ballerinas. As the Hitler’s reach extends across Europe, the young dancer rises to stardom. When they are invited by Hitler himself for a performance, she is faced with an amazing opportunity and a terrible decision. She learns that fear is a powerful motivator and inaction can lead to a lifetime of regret.

Lost Souls Starboard Ho! Duo Interpretation (Male/Female)

Shawn and Lynn have suffered the loss of their daughter. In this emotional drama, the couple must come to terms with their loss while bridging the growing distance in their relationship. Will this crisis cause even more loss, or will they find a way to move on and love again?

Preview SpeechGeek Season Eight: Fall 2010

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