"Forensics" is an extracurricular activity that refers to competitive forms of public speaking, dramatic reading and acting, just as the term "athletics" refers to a variety of sports. The forensics team, which is made up of students from grades 9-12, competes annually in local, regional and national forensic tournaments. Opportunities abound to improve stage presence, self-confidence, expression and public speaking skills, as well as to compete and socialize with many students from other schools.
FORENSICS EVENTS
Declamation (grades 9 and 10): Students memorize and present a 7- to 10-minute speech, which was written by someone else, previously delivered in public, and published. Often they use commencement addresses, keynote speeches, political addresses, etc.
Original Oratory (grades 11 and 12): Students write and present an original, 7- to 10-minute speech about any topic they choose.
Extemporaneous Speaking (JV: grades 9 and 10; V: grades 11 and 12): At the beginning of the round, students draw a question about current events and are given 30 minutes to research, compose and memorize a 5- to 7-minute speech that answers the question. "Extemp" competitors maintain a team file box where they collect articles from newspapers and magazines concerning domestic and foreign current events. At the end of the 30-minute prep period, they perform the speech before a judge.
Dramatic Performance (grades 9-12): Students present a memorized cutting from a published play. The selection may have one or multiple characters.
Oral Interpretation of Literature
(JV: grades 9 and 10; V: grades 11 and 12):
In alternating rounds students read either a selection of prose or a selection of poetry, each 7- to 10 minutes long.
Duo Interpretation of Literature (grades 9-12): Two students present a selection from a published play. They each represent one or more characters.
For an in-depth description of each event, go to http://www.nycfl.org/ and look at the judges' manual.