What is Forensics?

Forensics, or the art of competitive speech and debate, has been practiced in the United States since the early 20th century and has roots going back more than 2500 years to ancient Greece. Forensics has evolved from a form of educating citizens in the art of persuasion as democracies were beginning to form in Greece and Rome, to a competitive activity that is enjoyed by thousands of high school and college students every year.  The scope of training has also grown to include a variety of speaking techniques, oral interpretation, policy and value debate, as well as training in formal persuasion.

Why compete in Forensics?

Participation in forensics allows you to put all realms of your education to active use.  It sharpens your ability to critically analyze issues, to express your thoughts clearly and fluently, and to have a better understanding of the world in which you live. Many professional people, including executives, lawyers, teachers, public relations officers, radio and television personalities, and prominent public figures testify that their participation in forensics was a major element of their education.  In short, forensics competition helps you learn to research, to think, and to communicate your ideas.

Who competed in Forensics?

James Dean

Brad Pitt

Nancy Cartwright (voice of Bart Simpson)

Kelsey Grammar (Cheers and Frasier)

Jim and John Belushi

Adam Sandler

Steve Buscemi (Starred in Fargo and Reservoir Dogs)

Nelson Mandela (South African President)

Margaret Thatcher (Former British Prime Minister)

Richard Nixon

Marcia Clark (prosecutor in OJ’s trial)

Johnny Cochran & Robert Shapiro (defense attorneys in OJ’s trial)

Oprah Winfrey

Jane Pauley

Roger Ebert

Lee Iacocca (Chrysler Corporation)

Malcolm X

Arsenio Hall

Adam Sandler

James Earl Jones

Bruce Springsteen

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan

Tom Brokaw