PASADENA CITY COLLEGE
SPEECH 5A AND 5B: LANCER COMPETITIVE SPEECH AND DEBATE
Fall 2012-Spring 2013
Directors of Forensics:
Stephanie Fleming
slhood@pasadena.edu
626-585-3214
Office Hours: by appointment
Josh Fleming
jrfleming@pasadena.edu
626-585-7010
Office Hours: Mon 3:10-5:10, Wed 11:00-12:00 & 3:10-5:10, Thursday 6:00-6:30
Cindy Phu
cnphu@pasadena.edu
626-585-7476
Office Hours: Mon 1:10-3:10, Tues 10:30-12:00, Thurs 1:10-3:10
Assistant Coaches:
David Machen
davidpmachen@yahoo.com
Office: C109
Mailboxes and Division Office: C121
Requirements:
Some weekend participation is required. The TBA requirement is fulfilled with scheduled practice sessions outside of
class and weekend participation.
Course Objectives:
Competitive Speech and Debate (also referred to as Forensics) is designed to enable you to represent Pasadena
City College in forensic competition. Students will be able to enhance various communication skills as well as
develop and refine research and analytical skills and techniques. Being part of a prestigious organization will instill
self confidence and a sense of pride in students themselves, their team and their College.
Student Learning Objectives:
Speech 5A:
1. Students will be able to create speeches and/or interpretive performances that are suitable for collegiate
competition.
2. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the differences in the individual competitive events.
3. Students will be able to collaborate with others in a competitive environment.
4. Students will be able to develop effective verbal and nonverbal delivery skills.
Speech 5B:
1. Students will be able to construct appropriate factual, value and/or policy cases that are suitable for collegiate
competition.
2. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the vocabulary and theory for debate.
3. Students will be able to collaborate with others in a competitive environment.
4. Students will be able to develop effective verbal and nonverbal delivery skills.
Student Performance Objectives:
Speech 5A: Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to...
1. Define, research, create and present speeches in at least three of the following forms of collegiate competitive
speaking and identify and describe the requirements for all the forms of competitive speaking.
2. Students will identify and employ effective methods of speech composition.
3. Evaluate the presentations of others using the principles of good speech composition and audience analysis.
Speech 5B: Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to...
I. DEBATE:
1. Research, prepare, present constructive speeches presenting affirmative and negative positions and refutations
on a given proposition.
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2. Use the library to find and develop resources.
3. Understand and apply theories of debate.
4. Evaluate opposing arguments for logical cogency, adequacy of evidence, Prima Facie adequacy.
5. Demonstrate comprehensive evaluative listening skills.
II. READER''S THEATER:
1. Create a theme, select materials for that theme and present that thematic collocation in the form of a Reader''s
Theater using effective oral presentation.
2. Generate themes of human experience suitable for performance.
3. Use a library in the search for suitable literary materials.
4. Combine literary selections with original introductions and transitions.
5. Perform the material with effective vocal control, effective physical control, useful choreographic,
concepts/blocking.
Course Description:
Speech 5A: Intercollegiate competitive speaking including oratory, informative, individual events, extemporaneous,
impromptu, radio and television, oral interpretation and duo-acting events. Maximum credit 4 units, 1 unit each
semester.
Total
of
54
hours
laboratory.
Transfer Credit: CSU
Speech 5B: Intercollegiate debate and/or Readers’ Theater. Maximum credit 4 units, 1 unit each semester. Total of
54 hours laboratory.
Transfer Credit: CSU
Forensics is a competitive laboratory for the refinement of skills introduced in various courses at the college and
university level. It includes critical thinking, reasoning, advocacy and performance skills. Specifically, Forensics at
Pasadena City College encompasses two main activities: Debate and Individual Events. Students can participate in
either or both activities.
 Debate: Intercollegiate forensics debate takes many shapes. At PCC we participate in what is called
Parliamentary Debate. This form of debate is audience-centered and emphasizes critical thinking and
reasoned advocacy. “Parli” format consists of two 2-person teams debating a set resolution.

Individual Events: Intercollegiate individual events involves three types of presentations: Public
Address, Oral Interpretation of Literature, and Limited Preparation Speaking. Students can participate in
any combination of these events. A detailed explanation of these events, including Reader’s Theater, is
included in the syllabus.
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Course Attendance Policy:
Each student is required to attend weekly meetings and arrange any necessary additional meetings with a coach to
work on individual events to complete 54 lab unit hours. These meetings will be arranged in conjunction with student
and coach schedules. Coaches’ availability will be posted in C109 and it is the student’s responsibility to sign up for
individual coaching sessions. This lab schedule will be agreed upon by the team members involved in the event and
their respective coaches
Missed meetings should be rescheduled and it is the responsibility of the students to fulfill this requirement.
Tournament Attendance Policy:
Before a student may compete at a tournament, she or he must:
(1) Have satisfactory lab attendance
(2) Have each event approved by a director by the deadline per tournament. (Usually the Friday prior to the
tournament) *Students will not be allowed to enter a tournament unless events have director
approval*
(3) Sign up for the tournament by the deadline (usually the Monday prior to the tournament
Once at the tournament, the student must
(1) Attend all rounds of competition for each event entered.
(2) Attend the Awards Ceremony at the end of the tournament.
(3) Follow proper behavior guidelines.
(4) Adhere to the tournament dress code.
(5) Have a signed copy of the Team Policies sheet on file in the Forensics Office.
(6) Meet any other special pre-requisites as announced. (This usually includes travel tournaments. State &
National Champs)
Citizenship/collegiality:
All participation will be based upon collegiality and merit. Since you are representing Pasadena City College when
participating in this activity, you are expected to maintain certain standards in regards to attitude and behavior. You
should be able to get along with all of your team member and coaches (that means respecting the rights and
privileges of all others on the team). You should follow and respect all rules and regulations. Illegal drug or alcohol
consumption at tournaments or practices will not be tolerated. All team members will be supportive of each other in
order to create a positive learning environment.
In instances when these expectations of collegiality are violated, Coaches reserve the right to restrict a student’s
participation in team activities. Please understand that, in many cases, the number of students allowed to participate
is restricted for procedural or economic reasons. Coaches will decide who goes to tournaments. All decisions of the
coaches are final. Representing PCC at a forensic tournament is an honor. Students must be prepared, well
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dressed, and act accordingly. Student misconduct at tournaments is grounds for immediate dismissal from the PCC
Forensics Squad and denial of credit for the class.
Grading:
The grade for the course is not based upon winning and/or losing, but rather work effort, tournament attendance
and laboratory attendance.
Assignment Breakdown:
Grade Scale
Prepared Event
30 points
A=90-100
Coaching Sessions
40 points
B=80-89
Tournament #1:
15 points
C=70-79
Tournament #2:
15 points
D=60-69
F=59 and below

Students in the Spring semester that have no competitive experience only may get instructor permission
for the PSCFA Cool Off to count for both tournament #1 and tournament #2
ALL DEADLINES AND TOURNAMENT DATES ARE ANNOUCED IN CLASS. IT IS THE STUDENT’S
RESPONSIBILITY TO BE INFORMED OF AND ADHERE TO THESE DEADLINES
State and National Tournament Guidelines:
The National Speech Tournament is not required, but is an honor. All expenses are paid to this tournament and
excuses from class given. The number of students going to Nationals will be determined by the budget and the
amount of quality events at the time of tournament selection.IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR STATE AND
NATIONAL SPEECH TOURNAMENTS, STUDENTS MUST ALSO QUALIFY FOR NATIONALS BY ATTENDING AT
LEAST THREE TOURNAMENTS DURING EACH SEMESTER ENROLLED AND HAVE A TOTAL OF FOUR
COMPETITIVE EVENTS BY FEBRUARY OF SECOND SEMESTER.
EVENT DESCRIPTIONS
What are the individual events?
There are roughly 11 college-level individual events that fall into three main categories:
Platform
Limited Preparation
Oral Interpretation of Literature
Informative Speaking
Impromptu Speaking
Prose Interpretation
Persuasive Speaking
Extemporaneous Speaking
Poetry Interpretation
Communication Analysis (CA)
Dramatic Interpretation
Speech to Entertain (STE)
Dramatic Duo Interpretation
Program Oral Interpretation (POI)
Platform events are often likened to public speaking. Speech preparation is completed well before a tournament.
Limited preparation events are spontaneous in nature. Speech preparation is performed at the tournament in
accordance with event guidelines.
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Oral Interpretation of Literature is similar to acting. Students will select literature in which they will interpret and
then perform. Presence of literature is mandatory and students are limited in use of movement.
Here is a brief summary of each event:
Informative Speaking: An original, factual speech written by the student. Research must be used and cited
throughout the course of the speech. The purpose of the informative speech is to describe, clarify, explain and/or
define an object, idea, concept or process. (A speech explaining the nuclear test ban treaty would classify as an
informative speech, while a speech giving a value judgment or advocating a position condemning the treaty would
classify as a persuasive speech). Visual aids are permitted and should be used when needed. The maximum time
limit is 10 minutes. While there is no mandatory time minimum, successful speeches are at least 8 minutes in length.
This speech should be written in entirety and then memorized.
Persuasive Speaking: An original speech on a socially significant topic written by the student. Research must be
used and cited throughout the course of the speech, although no more than 10% of the speech may consist of direct
quotations. The primary purpose of the speech should be to change beliefs or actions. This may include to convince,
stimulate or reinforce a conviction. Successful topics include those that are more pragmatic in nature and the
solution step should advocate an action that the audience can actually take part in. Visual aids are permitted and
should be used when needed. The maximum time limit is 10 minutes. While there is no mandatory time minimum,
successful speeches are at least 8 minutes in length. This speech should be written in entirety and then memorized.
Communication Analysis – (CA) : An original speech written by the student that analyzes a communication event.
The primary purpose of the speech should be to analyze a communication event, using a recognized theory or
model. The mainstream interpretation of this event allows analysis of movies, mass movements, cartoons,
monuments and any other event or artifact that can reasonably be classified as communicative in nature. Theories
or models typically come from academic speech journals but can also come from psychology, sociology,
anthropology, art, and literature. Visual aids are permitted and should be used when needed. The maximum time
limit is 10 minutes. While there is no mandatory time minimum, successful speeches are at least 8 minutes in length.
This speech should be written in entirety and then memorized.
Speech to Entertain – (STE or ADS) :An original, humorous speech prepared by the student. The primary purpose
of the speech is to provoke laughter; however, the speech must exhibit sound speech composition, thematic
coherence, direct communicative public speaking skills and good taste. The speech should not resemble a night club
act, an impersonation, or comic dialogue. There is a tradition, sometimes codified in tournament rules, that the
speech must also make a serious point. Theoretically, the humor should contribute seamlessly to the underlying
serious point. Visual aids are permitted and should be used when needed. In this event, visual aids are often used
in a more creative manner than in other platform speeches. While there is not as large of an emphasis placed on
research, source citations should still be used on occasion to support the student’s opinions. The maximum time limit
is 10 minutes. While there is no mandatory time minimum, successful speeches are at least 8 minutes in length. This
speech should be written in entirety and then memorized.
Impromptu Speaking: A limited preparation event that gives students a total of 7 minutes to both prepare and
deliver an organized speech. Typically, students will use up to 2 minutes for preparation and the remaining 5
minutes to speak. Topic selection varies from round to round and often include quotations, abstractions and
proverbs. The speech should be highly organized with an obvious introduction, body and conclusion. The speech
should also possess an obvious roadmap (preview, transitions, review). Limited notes are permitted. Judges should
give time signals during the speech. Speeches are judged on organization, breadth and depth of knowledge and
sometimes the strength of the argument.
Extemporaneous Speaking - (Extemp): A limited preparation event that gives students 30 minutes to research
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and write a speech on a given topic. Topics are serious in nature and usually address national, regional, or
international politics, the economy, or social issues. Each speaker receives a choice of three topics; each speaking
position in the round has its own topics. Topics are conventionally drawn from the past 1 to 12 weeks of the major
news magazines, as defined by the tournament director. Speakers are expected to nave and use a reference file of
newspaper and magazine clippings. Those competing in extemporaneous are expected to help maintain the files in
order to compete in this event. Notes are permitted; however, many judges strongly discourage the use of notes
except for notating source citations. Since this speech is researched, judges often expect students to orally cite
sources throughout the course of the speech. Judges are expected to provide time signals for speakers during the
speech.
Prose Interpretation: A performance that highlights the development of a story; prose interpretation is selection or
selections of prose material of literary merit, which may be drawn from more than one source. Play cuttings and
poetry are prohibited. While not mandatory, the “norm” is using only one prose piece written in first person which
starts with a teaser (a beginning snippet to intrigue the audience), an introduction written by the speaker explaining
the thesis of the piece and the characters/situation of the piece, followed by the rest of the prose selection. Prose
selections should be “cut” to meet the mandatory 10 minute time limit and successful performances are at least 8
minutes in length. These “cuttings” should possess a comprehensive storyline while reflected the author’s original
intent. Subject matter may be serious or humorous, but successful performances usually possess a combination of
emotions. Manuscripts and the use of an interp book are mandatory. Use of movement is limited.
Poetry Interpretation: A performance that highlights language usage, poetry interpretation is a performance that
may be 1) one poem by one author, 2) multiple poems by the same author, or 3) multiple poems by multiple authors
that focus on a socially significant theme. Despite the type, programs are typically organized into a teaser (a snippet
of poetry introducing the theme or concept), an introduction written by the student exploring the thesis and
introducing the title(s) and author(s), and the remaining literature. Poetry selections should be “cut” to meet the
mandatory 10 minute time limit and successful performances are at least 8 minutes in length. Subject matter may be
serious or humorous, but successful performances usually possess a combination of emotions. The performance will
typically possess a teaser (a snippet of the piece), an introduction (written by the student to introduce the theme or
concept) and the remaining literature. Manuscripts and the use of an interp book are mandatory. Use of movement
is limited.
Dramatic Interpretation – (DI): A performance that highlights character development, dramatic interpretation is a
“cutting” that represents one or more characters from a play, teleplay or screenplay. The performance may be drawn
from stage, screen or radio, but must have been written with the intention of being performed for an audience. This
performance may highlight a monologue or dialogue. Selections should be “cut” to meet the mandatory 10 minute
time limit and successful performances are at least 8 minutes in length. Subject matter may be serious or
humorous, but successful performances usually possess a combination of emotions. The performance will typically
possess a teaser (a snippet of the piece), an introduction (written by the student to introduce the theme or concept)
and the remaining literature. Manuscripts and the use of an interp book are mandatory. Use of movement is limited.
Dramamtic Duo Interpretation – (DUO) : A performance that highlights character development and interaction,
dramatic duo interpretation is a “cutting” that represents from a play, teleplay or screenplay. The performance may
be drawn from stage, screen or radio, but must have been written with the intention of being performed for an
audience. The cutting will depict the interactions between two or more characters interpreted and performed by two
students. Selections should be “cut” to meet the mandatory 10 minute time limit and successful performances are at
least 8 minutes in length. Subject matter may be serious or humorous, but successful performances usually possess
a combination of emotions. The performance will typically possess a teaser (a snippet of the piece), an introduction
(written by the students to introduce the theme or concept) and the remaining literature. Manuscripts and the use of
an interp book are mandatory. Use of movement is limited and an off-stage focus should be used (students face
forward rather than looking at one another).
Programmed Oral Interpretation – (POI): A performance that highlights thematic development, POI consists of
multiple selections of literary merit, chosen from at least two recognized genres of competitive interpretation
(prose/poetry/drama). A substantial portion of the total time must be devoted to each of the genres used in the
program. Different genre means the material must appear in separate pieces of literature (e.g., A poem included in a
short story that appears only in that short story does not constitute a poetry genre). The elections may appear in any
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order and are often “woven” to aid in the development of the program. Selections should be “cut” to meet the
mandatory 10 minute time limit and successful performances are at least 8 minutes in length. The performance will
typically possess a teaser (a snippet of the piece), an introduction (written by the students to introduce the theme or
concept) and the remaining literature. Manuscripts and the use of an interp book are mandatory. Use of movement
is limited.
Reader’s Theater
Readers Theater (also called Interpreter’s Theater) is a group oral interpretation event involving three or more
readers. The group of oral interpreters, through vivid vocal and physical clues, causes an audience to see and
hear characters expressing their attitudes toward an action so vividly that the literature becomes a living
experience both for the readers and the audience. Readers Theater should encourage the original work of the
student. Students should interpret the literature from the printed page. The audience should be able to perceive
the presentation as interpretation from the printed page
rather than recitation or memorization There are several varieties of programs available. Presentations may
consist of: (1) A thematic collage of varied literary selections from one or more authors; or (2) a cutting or
adaptation from a single piece of prose, poetry or drama. Unlike individual interpretation events, ensemble
dress, props and music may be used as suggestive incidental accouterments to the program. Movement is
expected rather than limited and off-stage focus may or may not be used. The time limit for the event is 25
minutes which includes set-up, performance, and take-down.
Parliamentary Debate
“Parli” debate is a debate between two teams. Each team consists of two people prepared to debate either for
the Government (consisting of the Prime Minister and Member of the Government) or the Opposition (consisting
of the Leader of the Opposition and the Member of the Opposition). The proposition to be debated is
announced prior to the debate and teams are then given preparation time to prepare their arguments.
Preparation time usually varies between 15-20 minutes depending upon the tournament. Announcement of the
topic is either announced in the room by the judge or in a mass announcement by the tournament director.
The format for speaking times are:






Prime Minister (Gov) - 7 minute constructive
Leader of the Opposition - 8 minute constructive
Member of the Government - 8 minute constructive
Member of the Opposition - 8 minute constructive
Leader of the Opposition - 4 minute rebuttal
Prime Minister - 5 minute rebuttal
There is no preparation time allowed between the speeches for either team.
NFA LD
Students research, prepare speeches, and debate the topic throughout the season at various tournaments.
Debaters prepare to be both affirmative (in support of the resolution) and negative (against the resolution). A
judge is assigned to each debate who decides which debater won the debate by providing better arguments.
This style of debate requires extensive research.
The structure of a debate round is as follows:
 Affirmative Constructive – 6 minutes
 Cross Examination Period – 3 minutes
 Negative Constructive – 7 minutes
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 Cross Examination Period – 3 minutes
 First Affirmative Rebuttal – 6 minutes
 Negative Rebuttal – 6 minutes
 Second Affirmative Rebuttal – 3 minutes
In addition to the speaking times, each debater receives 4 minutes of preparation time to use at their discretion
before their speeches. Each debate, therefore, lasts roughly 45 minutes.
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