Speech and Rhetorical Studies Commons^™

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.

Table Of Contents For The 2008 National Developmental Conference On Individual Events, Daniel Cronn-Mills

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

Table of contents for Conference Proceedings: National Developmental Conference on Individual Events 2008.

Nce-Ie 2010 Participants, Daniel Cronn-Mills, Larry Schnoor

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

List of participants for the 2010 National Developmental Conference on Individual Events.

Resolutions, Daniel Cronn-Mills, Larry Schnoor

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

Includes:

• What are Our Goals as Forensics Educators for the Public Speaking Events?
• Overview of Director of Forensics and Burnout
• A Pedagogical Reframing of the Ballot
• Changing the structure of the ballot
• Scheduling Tournaments
• Lincoln Douglas Scheduling
• Redistricting the AFA-NIET
• Culture of Qualification for the AFA-NIET
• Forensics and Service Learning and Community
• Service Learning
• Forensics/Assessment
• Community
• What are Our Goals as Forensics Educators for the Oral Interpretation Events?
• Resolved: The performance of literature events be re-categorized as follows
• Forensic Leadership
• Possible Assessment Tools

Assessment In Forensics: It's A Dirty Job But We Need To Do It!, Kittie Grace

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

Cognitive, affective, and behavioral assessment are all necessary measures to understanding the effectiveness of any collegiate major or forensics team. As the Director of Forensics at Hastings College, I use all three measures to assess the strength of the current program and to track trends regarding the team. This discussion focuses on presenting different ways to assess your programs to increase depart-mental and institutional support for your forensics pro-grams.

Justifying Forensic Programs To Administrations Using Humanistic Outcomes, Chad Kuyper

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

This paper will review literature concerning forensic learning outcomes, drawing a distinction between traditional "academic" learning outcomes and more "humanistic" out-comes that function at an intra- and interpersonal level. This paper will also examine avenues coaches can use to defend the most beneficial aspects of their programs to administrators.

Founding Practice: Examining Intercollegiate Competition As Assessment, Brendan B. Kelly

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

Intercollegiate forensics is, at its core, a form of teaching. Like other pedagogical elements within higher education, the practice is now, and will increasingly be, subject to institutional assessment requirements in higher education. The conventional argument that the evaluation processes inherent in intercollegiate forensics competition will demonstrate the effectiveness of teaching and learning in forensics pedagogy is false. The assessment practices within the frame-work of competitions are part of the teaching processes. Forensics pedagogy, therefore, must align itself with institutional assessment components. This essay argues for the roots of that alignment to be tied to an academic learning compact that …

Forensics Leadership: An Isocratean Vision, R. Randolph Richardson, Kathy Brittain Richardson

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

Contemporary forensic students and educators owe much to the leaders of the latter half of the twentieth century who rediscovered the educational benefits of speech competition, founded several collegiate programs and professional organizations, and established numerous tournaments and perfect-ed their management in a time of great technological change and challenge. A long list of noteworthy women and men who sacrificed inordinate amounts of time, money, often careers and professional standing, and more, for the benefit of forensic activity deserve recognition, appreciation and honor. The spirit of sacrifice that characterized the founding generation of leaders and those who immediately followed is …

Advocating High School Speech Communication Education: Sowing Stronger Seeds For The Future, Adam J. Jacobi

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

This paper presents a case for the necessity of speech communication as part of the core curriculum for secondary schools in the United States. In considering research-based pedagogical practices, as well as outcomes-based assessment, communication education focuses students’ critical thinking and competency in the two most overlooked zones of literacy: listening and speaking. To that end, the National Communication Association (NCA) and its special interest organizations, such as those focused on forensics are urged to support efforts to require speech communication as a graduation requirement, to require those courses be taught by teachers certified in communication, and to encourage NCA …

The Bloomington Recommendations: Improving Forensic Leadership By Continuing The Conversation On Evaluating The Forensics Professional, Michael Dreher

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

This paper seeks to both provide structure and formalization to the process of assessment, as well as to answer the question, "Is it possible to run a 'successful' program that’s not based in competitive success?" These recommendations serve both as a companion document and as an expansion of the recommendations previously made with regard to promotion and tenure (Dreher, 2010). The Peoria Recommendations dealt with questions to be asked of all forensic educators, documentation of teaching, research, and service, and questions to be asked by internal and external reviewers, and are summarized in appendix 1. This paper will provide further …

Student Research As A Method For Developing New Forensics Leaders, Ben Walker

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

For years, a call for more forensic research has echoed across the nation. While some respond to the continued challenge, many others have not. Numerous programs have disappeared from the collegiate forensic map over the years, with the questioned legitimacy and effectiveness of forensic programs and forensic professionals cited as the reason for their disappearance. In order to maintain a strong participation of programs, students, and coaches, we must develop strong leaders who, through research, will promote and stabilize forensics in the collegiate scene. As forensic leaders, it is our responsibility to nurture students into leadership positions where they, through …

Helping Out The "Newbies": A Call For Broader-Based Professional Development In Forensics, Christopher J. Fenner

Proceedings of the National Developmental Conference on Individual Events

Many Directors of Forensics follow a clear path from student competitor to graduate coaching assistant before holding a professional position. Often this traditional route rep-resents the full training a future DOF may receive. While this experience is invaluable, as a primary means of education it does not account for those starting programs without such a background, or those taking on a director position at an institution with a significantly different emphasis or philosophy than encountered in their training. This paper posits that a focus on training & mentoring is needed at the national level in order to facilitate a broader …