What is the purpose of Persuasive?

The purpose of Persuasive as an event is to train the student to research, assemble, and communicate a prepared speech that would appeal to a variety of audiences. 

The purpose of the Persuasive speech could be to pose a problem, offer a solution, alert to an issue of concern, strengthen devotion to a cause, or more generally to inform. The most important goal of the speech would be to attempt to persuade; while informing, inspiring, entertaining, or teaching could also be served by the speech. The topic of the speech is chosen by the student.

Does my speech have to change the judge’s mind?

No. A persuasive speech should attempt to persuade but does not have to change the judge’s mind.

What is gratuitous vulgarity?

This refers to vulgar, obscene or profane language or gestures which are included for shock value. Gratuitous vulgarity is not appropriate.

Can I compete with the same speech in two different categories?

Speakers may not use the same speech in two separate categories at the same tournament. However, the same speech can be moved to a different category at a different tournament. If the speech qualifies to advance to a higher level of competition (Regionals or Nationals) in both categories the speaker will have to choose a category.

How do I give a citation as I am presenting my speech?

References to sources should be included in the text of the speech as it is delivered.

Examples:

1.      Psalm 23 says, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”

2.      According to C.S. Lewis, Aslan apparently cannot be called a lion that is tame.

3.      In his book The Leadership Paradox, author Denny Gunderson reminds us of this: "Obedience and humility are God's twin guardians against the plague of vain ambition resident within the heart of the leader who wants to be a star."

How do I cite sources for script submission?

Any citation needs to be given according to MLA format. The author's last name and the page number(s) from which the quotation, paraphrase or general idea is taken must appear in the text, and a complete reference should appear on your separate Source Citation Page.

Examples:

1.      In-text citation for a direct quote: Psalm 23 says, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want” (New King James Bible, Ps. 23.1).

2.      In-text citation for a paraphrase:  According to C.S. Lewis, Aslan apparently cannot be called a lion that is tame (Lewis 25).

3.      In his book The Leadership Paradox, author Denny Gunderson reminds us of this: "Obedience and humility are God's twin guardians against the plague of vain ambition resident within the heart of the leader who wants to be a star" (Gunderson 42).

Is there a website which gives some information on MLA formatting?

Assistance with MLA format can be found online at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/557/01/, other online sources, or in manuals at most bookstores.

My piece is pretty intense and may not be suitable for younger audiences. Is there a way for me to help protect them?

The best way to protect the younger or more sensitive members of an audience is to announce before your speech begins that it may not be suitable for all  audiences. This will allow younger students, families and others with care of small children, and also the timekeeper to leave the room before the piece begins.

Can automatic script penalties be waived for a speaker with learning disabilities or difficulty with memorization?

The answer is that there can be no exceptions. Competitive forensics reveals strengths in young speakers who did not believe they were capable. Speakers are frequently unable to memorize until they "have to." When speech participants have to, they often try harder and achieve more than they thought they could. Finally, the purpose of this activity is not to win, but to grow in communication ability. The memorization requirement is included to encourage speakers to be the best communicators they can be.

My child has special needs and/or circumstances. Can he be considered an exception to a competition rule?

From a practical standpoint, an exception here would open the door for a host of exceptions. An unlimited number of participants could see themselves in need of exceptions and an infinite number of potential exceptions requested. It becomes highly complicated to communicate the variety of potential exceptions to the judges as well as competitors. The ultimate purpose for participating in competitive forensics is for to improve communication skills. Special students have shown much improvement in this environment