Critical thinking group participates in public speaking competitions across Midwest area
INDIANAPOLIS — Many people associate the word forensics with police work due to popular television shows like CSI; however, forensics is also a term used to define speech and debate.
It is generally acknowledged that the number one fear among adults is public speaking. So why are there a growing number of students who choose to face this fear by competing on the University of Cincinnati forensics team?
UC forensics head coach Wendy Larcher, an adjunct communications professor, can offer many answers to this question.
“Why are there so many people who like to play basketball? Because you can, because you like it. There aren’t as many speakers as there are basketball players, but that doesn’t make it any less worthy,” Larcher said. “And frankly, there’s just a little bit of thrill because you are able to move an entire room of people with what you can say. It’s thrilling for a basketball player to hit a three-pointer. For speakers, it’s a thrill to move someone with their words.”
The UC forensics team, in its fourth year, competes against other universities in the field of public speaking. There are 11 different speech categories in which students compete, including persuasive, impromptu, poetry and informative speaking.
Competitions are held on weekends throughout the fall and winter quarters at various colleges in the Midwest. Forensic members’ food allowances, transportation, hotel and registration fees are all covered by the university.
The team has approximately 15 members, most of whom are communications students; there are also business, journalism, organizational leadership and aerospace engineering students on the team.
Most members of the forensics team view competition as an opportunity to develop their talents.
“I’ve learned a great deal about my strengths and gathered detailed comments on places I can grow as an orator. The events are full of fun adventures and the company is always great,” said Tifanei Moyer, UC forensics team vice president. “I really have enjoyed my experiences and recommend it to anyone who is looking to build their individual skills, [and] resume and have an amazing time while doing so.”
Other forensics team members simply see competition as an opportunity to travel and make new friendships.
“I thought it would be a great opportunity to cross the Midwest and see different schools. The camaraderie of my teammates is the best part of being on the team,” said Joe Oder, recording secretary for the team.
The team’s most recent competition was Feb. 7 at the Dominata Classic on the campus of IUPUI in Indianapolis. Other schools that competed in the Dominata included Ball State, Butler University, Indiana University, Miami University and Western Kentucky.
The team has three remaining competitions, the next scheduled for Feb. 21-22 at the University of Akron.
“There aren’t many other activities that are going to teach you to get up and talk in front of an audience and to be a critical thinker. What better way to learn how to do that than with your peers?” Larcher said. “You get to travel with friends, get put up in a hotel, and meet students from other schools. And if you’re halfway good at it, you’ll get a trophy. Plus somebody else is paying for it.”
The forensics team is always looking to add new members. For more information about the UC forensics team, call 513-556-4412.
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