Communication Commons^™

Relating To Publics: An Additional Role Of The Director Of Forensics, Ryan Lauth

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

Without fostering effective relationships with students, departments and administrators, a forensic program can easily succumb to budget cuts. This paper attempts to analyze the relationships that must be managed for a director of forensics to run a successful program. To this end, a review of the literature is given, an analysis of this literature is conducted and research questions are given that will further enrich future inquiry into the public relations role of the director of forensics.

The Liminal Graduate Student, Adam Gonzales-Weightman

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

The purpose of this paper is to expand individual event (IE) terminology. Expanding the terminology in which our IE community uses is essential to the growth of the IE community. This paper was inspired by people in the IE community who have realized how important it is to expand IE research and academic publications.

Perceptions Of Past Competitors: Presentation Of The Data, Leah White, Larry Schnoor, Grant Anderson

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

In the past five years several well established forensic programs in our region have been discontinued. The reasons given to justify these decisions often centered on a lack of resources available to sustain the programs. Certainly the presence of scarce resources in an academic setting is understandable, but what many current coaches and competitors found especially concerning was the perceived lack of resistance by faculty at those institutions who were themselves once forensic competitors and coaches. In fact, in some cases former competitors were active and vocal supporters of the decision to end their institution‟s forensic program. The idea for …

How Is That Helpful?: An Analysis Of Ballot Helpfulness, Janis K. Crawford, Gregory E. Moser

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

The study confronts several issues relating to the helpfulness of ballots from different types of judges. An analysis was performed to analyze 135 ballots from several collegiate forensic tournaments held throughout the United States. Coaches, graduate assistants and hired judges were compared.

"No, It Has Nothing To Do With Csi": Using Public Relations To Promote New Forensic Programs, Christopher J. Fenner

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

Directors of new forensic programs are commonly faced with the challenge of building program support within communities that have little, if any, prior knowledge of competitive forensics. The diversity of forensic events, organizations, and awards can make message development and program promotion a daunting task. The organizing schemata of a public relations campaign and an understanding of college and community media needs can be powerful tools for a new program director. This report provides forensic directors with specific strategies and tactics for implementing a public relations campaign to build program support.

Uncertainity In Spontaneity: Toward An Epistemic Impromptu, Michael Steudeman

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

This paper reviews the recent argument that forensics is epistemic, suggesting that those who adopt that metaphor could serve themselves better by approaching impromptu speaking as an epistemic exercise. It draws upon Pat Gehrke's critique of debate pedagogy to form a framework to analyze impromptu as it is currently performed-and its obsession with starting from the truth, espousing all views with certainty, and adhering to a linear model of analysis. Finally, it offers several options for those impromptuers wishing to break the mold, arguing that the so called "mistakes" made by beginning impromptuers could, with practice, lead to more insightful …

Performing For The Audience: Putting The Public Back Into Individual Events Training, Scott Wells, Denee Janda

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

Forensics would benefit from utilizing more nontraditional judges at tournaments. The paper argues for creating more diverse judging pools. Specifically, the benefits and challenges of including community judges are addressed. Although the issue of including more nontraditional judges has been raised in the literature on debate, there has been less discussion in the Individual Events community.

New Wine In Old Wineskins: Questioning The Value Of Research Questions In Rhetorical Criticism, Richard E. Paine

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

Recent years have seen a trend toward the inclusion and heightened valuing of research questions in competitive Rhetorical Criticism (Communication Analysis). The inclusion of this content element is quite a new phenomenon on the national-level competitive circuit. In fact, the absence of such research questions in competitive speeches was highlighted by Ott as recently as 1998. But by 2007-2008, the inclusion of a research question was established as essentially de rigueur for a vast number of judges. For example, consider the ballots received this past year by a competitively successful rhetorical criticism entry I coached. At one tournament, all five …

Re-Examining Competition And Education In Collegiate Forensics: Establishing The Need For A Pedagogical Prerogative Perspective, Randy Richardson, Brendan B. Kelly

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

The authors examine the dominant metaphors used to guide collegiate forensics practice during the last four decades. The interplay between education and competition serve as a focus for the analysis. The authors establish the need for a pedagogical prerogative perspective as a means of enhancing the educational value of intercollegiate individual events.

An Optimum Balance Of Forensic Goals: Balancing Competitive And Educational Ends Through Forensic Honoraries, Scott Jensen

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

The myriad benefits found through participation in forensics are well documented. Few co- or extracurricular activities boast the range of opportunity and benefit that are found through forensics. At the same time, this diversity within the activity creates tension for some programs that struggle with the best approach to forensic participation. Few would argue that forensics is at the same time educational and competitive. The argument that evolves from this duality of mission is which, if any, is more important or prevalent. Answering this question has led to multiple associations, a wealth of scholarship, and the conclusion that there is …

The "Culture Of Qualifying" Revisited: What Is The "End" Of Forensics, Daniel A. West

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

Ten years ago, at the last developmental conference, I again asked Larry’s question to the greater forensics community. In my paper on the "Culture of Qualifying," I contended that the focus AFA schools place on qualifying for nationals resulted in three problems: pulling slots, hunting for legs and a reduction in the quality of regular season tournaments. Another ten years have passed, and not much has changed. The "Culture of Qualifying" still exists. And I am left wondering: Where do we go from here?

Coding Our Judges Off Of Schools And Individuals: When Is It Necessary?, Ken Young

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

When examining issues that arise from tournament management, a chief concern among tournament administrators is the quality and size of their respective judging pools. In accordance with the AFA Code of Standards, many coaches try to avoid a "conflict of interest" by coding their judges off of particular schools and/or individuals when sending in their entry. Given that this coding process is self-regulated and highly dependent on individual ethics, coaches are left with no steadfast rules to dictate when a restriction is necessary and when it is not. This paper examines the coding process, the reasons coaches currently use to …

Forensics As A Business: A Business Ethics Approach To Ethical Violations, Joshua Randall

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

In a way, I consider myself to be an outsider in the forensics community. Although I did major in Speech Communication, I also received a major in Management with minors in Marketing and Business Administration. Due to this background I view the activity of forensics differently, while I think it is one of the greatest educational activities, I also see it as a business. Just like businesses, forensic programs have stakeholders they are responsible to and trophies are considered to be the profits that we can show our "supervisors and investors." Because of this idea that forensics is a business, …

A "Pedagogy Of Freedom" For Forensics: Moving From Convention To Theory, Terry L. West

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

Even a brief survey of academic journals and communication convention programs will reveal that ethics is a major concern among forensics professionals. The 2008 National Developmental Conference in Individual Events is no exception. A panel has been convened to present papers, discuss implications, and suggest policy action regarding ethical procedures in competitive intercollegiate forensics. While much past discussion and action has occurred on the subject of rules violations—ethical issues which enjoy essentially consensual agreement in the discipline—there is also a substantial concern over normative standards. These normative standards, which I refer to as "conventions," largely govern what actually occurs during …

Etic Vs. Emic Values In The Culture Of Forensics, Richard E. Paine

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

The present essay is a very preliminary attempt at investigating the extremely broad topic of values in forensics. Its goal is twofold: first, to identify values as they are avowed and practiced on the emic level by the forensics community; and second, to begin considering how forensic values do or do not mesh with the values espoused by some of the other emic and etic communities forensics participates in. It is my hope that this brief introduction to the question can open the door to more detailed and incisive qualitative and quantitative research into some of the particular issues whose …

The Emperor Has No Clothes: Solidifying Inconsistencies In Judges' Preference, Anthony C. Cavaiani, David J. Nadolski

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

Several leaders representing the forensics world were surveyed to examine the role judges preference plays in the outcomes of forensics tournaments. Similarities and differences concerning the definition of judge's preference emerged as dominant themes. Implications of this study offer new questions concerning definitions of judge’s preference and the role tabulation should play in the formation of leaders in forensics.

A Christian Ethic For Coaches, George Lamaster

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

Coaching is a calling and ministry. At least for many in the Christian tradition, that‘s true. Be they little-league coaches, birthing coaches, or executive coaches, coaches often view their work as a sacred vocation. While in seminary, I moonlighted as a speech and debate coach at a state university. I quickly discovered that my so-called secular work transformed lives as surely as youth ministry in the local parish. Whether it occurs in the context of the church or the public sphere, the practice of coaching invites sacramental moments of transformation by grace.

What follows is my attempt to think theologically …

But Seriously (Can We Stop Saying That) Ads Should Be Taken More Seriously, Robert Imbody

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

After-Dinner Speaking is the most unique public speaking event within intercollegiate in that it allows students to present a serious issue to their audience while implementing non-traditional techniques. However, in the present atmosphere of After-Dinner Speaking, while we are seeing more and more different topics and structural approaches to the event, there have been more and more instances of students not adhering to public speaking fundamentals. This paper will explore the ways in which ADS can be taken more seriously to be funnier, starting with introductions that are not imaginary and ending with conclusions that are not just jokes, but …

After Dinner Speaking: Problems, Causes, And Still No Solutions, Brandi Lawless

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

I was judging a round of After Dinner Speaking last weekend, hoping for a laugh. Some competitors were successful through their use of wit, others used cheesy lines, and the last student was probably supposed to be entered in Persuasion. It was extremely difficult and frustrating to fill out the ballots. Should I have voted for the funniest person, the funniest looking person, or the most significant topic with some jokes thrown in at the end like laws on a California proposition? This is a question facing many individual events judges today, while the students competing in this event are …

The Day The Music Died: Encouraging Prosodic And Emotional Analysis In The Oral Interpretation Of Poetry, Chad Kuyper

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

This paper examines issues unique to the coaching and oral interpretation of poetry, focusing on the role of prosodic analysis in creating a meaningful interpretation. Contending that current forensic practice produces interpretations that do not value the uniqueness of poetry as a literary genre, this paper proposes a coaching method that encourages the student to examine both prosodic and emotional elements within the selection. A review of literature of oral interpretation textbooks from a variety of time periods is provided, examining the prominence placed on different styles of poetic analysis, and comparing these advocated techniques to current forensic practice. This …

So Much Drama: In Support Of A Shift From Dramatic Duo To Duo Interpretation, Michael Chouinard

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

Dramatic Duo has become a poster child for the forensics world, appealing to crowds both in and out of the community, while providing its participants with challenges and opportunities not found in other interpretive events. However, the current event description contains ideas that might be viewed as contradictory, valuing interpretation over acting, yet limiting students to dramatic sources of literature (stage, screen, and radio). This paper proposes a change from Dramatic Duo to Duo Interpretation, allowing material of any genre to be used in competition. Implications of both a pedagogical and competitive nature will be explored. This paper does not …

Gasp! Faint! Cry!: Making Dramatic Interpretation A Book Optional Event Or Not, Amber Kuipers

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

Imagine yourself, for a moment, in a classroom where six other competitors are talking and eagerly waiting for their next Dramatic Interpretation (D.I.) round to begin. The judge surfaces from the depths of the judging room, coffee in one hand, ballots in the back pocket, pen stuck behind his ear appearing as though he has not slept since the tournament began, and takes a seat back row center. The room is silenced as the authority settles in and then calls the first competitor's name. She stands and walks to the front of the room. The metaphorical lights dim as she …

Maintaining And Enhancing Institutional Relevance: Long-Term Program Sustainability In An Era Of Increased Intra-Institutional Competition For Resources, Brendan B. Kelly

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

The preservation and growth of intercollegiate forensic programs does not, and should not, depend on the singular factor of competitive results. The value of a program is rooted, in great part, in intra-institutional factors. This paper puts forth an assertion related to increasing the institutional value of forensics programs. Emphasis is placed on expanding the scope of the program goals and framing the success of a program on a non-competitive basis. The intra-institutional framing of program identity as "centers of excellence" functions as a central tenet.

Constructing A Vision In A Small Group: A Narrative Analysis Of A Forensics Team, Ryan Lauth

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

In an effort to replace many of the forensics programs that are lost every year to budget cuts and coaching changes, many in the forensics community are making an effort to build new teams. Through the observation of team meetings and interactions I have used small group theory to analyze the vision the new team at Miami University has constructed. Hopefully, other coaches can use this information to develop a unifying vision that can foster team growth.

Despite the long and impressive competitive success at Miami University, the turnover in the coaching staff has also resulted in a high turnover …

Helping Programs Survive: Utilizing The Concepts Of Sustainability As Viable Means Of Program Growth, Brian R. Klosa

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

One of the many responsibilities and duties of a forensics coach is conducting long range planning for their respective program. Recruiting students and retaining them is paramount to surviving. When numerous programs across the country have ceased to exist, examining this issue takes on paramount important. In the past, the forensic community has engaged into important discussion about the growth of programs within our activity. However, I adamantly believe directors at smaller programs need to shift their focus from growth to developing a philosophy of sustainability. This paper will defend this position by describing the concept of sustainability as it …

The Peoria Recommendations: Suggestions On Promotion, Tenure And Evaluation For Directors Of Forensics, Michael Dreher

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

This document, therefore, seeks to strike a balance between prescriptive and descriptive. While departments and institutions vary as far as standards of evaluation, tenure, and promotion are concerned, this document seeks to advance the work of former and current forensic educators such as Ann Burnett, MaryAnn Danielson, Tom Workman, David Williams and Joe Gantt to raise the kinds of questions that directors (and assistant directors) should ask of themselves and their programs, and to suggest questions that should be asked of forensics professionals 2 when it comes to their evaluation. In that light, these recommendations serve both to further the …

Finding Strength In Numbers: A Collaborative Team Approach To Directing Forensic Programs, Scott Jensen, Gina Jensen, Thomas Serfass

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

Much has been written regarding pressures facing directors of forensics and forensic educators in general. Most of these pressures are associated with managing a slate of professional responsibilities that exceed those of most professional educators, along with balancing professional and personal lives. While much attention has been paid to the role of the director of forensics as an educator, colleague, and mentor, less has been written regarding the director as a manager of professional colleagues. Similarly, little discussion is found within forensic scholarship regarding the challenges and opportunities associated with multiple staff members within a single forensic program.

We advocate …

Retention, Retention, Retention: Keeping Our Colleagues In The Trenches, Joel Hefling

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

Over a period of years (thirty or more, probably), a number of coaches have left forensics. Some have retired from education. Some have retired from coaching. Some have left coaching to pursue other academic interests. Some of those individuals have returned to positions that are solely teaching positions. Others have moved into administrative positions, at a departmental level, or at a college or university level. Invariably, those individuals have left "holes" to be filled. Filling the positions is not necessarily a concern or a problem.

Positions can and have been filled by competent coaches and educators. The "natural" attrition provides …

The Pitfalls, Perils, And Promise To Increasing Forensic Research, Daniel Cronn-Mills

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

Based on the above statement by Harris, Kropp, and Rosenthal (1986), I feel compelled to qualify my opening sentence to this article. I opened by stating "Research, in fact, provides the foundation for all we do in forensics." A more truthful statement is that "research should provide the foundation for all we do in forensics." I am not convinced this is the case.

Overcoming Obstacles To Scholarly Engagement, Edward A. Hinck

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

This paper reaffirms the idea that scholarship is essential to advancing the professional and knowledge based identity of the forensic community. To develop a vision for future scholarly activity, the paper outlines some possible areas for consideration in developing writing and research programs, reviews some of the obstacles that stand in the way of a more active community of forensic scholars, and offers solutions that hold promise for advancing the mission of scholarship in the intercollegiate forensic community.