Forensic Team

This speech, performance, and debate team offers a high-quality learning opportunity.  Our team competes from September-April, travels to two or three tournaments a semester, and OCC covers the cost of judging, registration and etc.  Undergraduate students in good academic standing can compete in one or more events (Informative Speaking, Poetry, Dramatic Interpretation, Parliamentary Debate and more), earn college credit for their work, and may even be eligible for scholarship money. See event descriptions and sample speech links on this page. 

New and returning OCC students can join the team now! 

• New team members are welcome.  Join us at any time! 
• Remote and in-person coaching sessions are available.
• Students presenting two or more events at two tournaments can earn academic credit. 
• Congratulations to our co-presidents: Donna Lopatin and Saamia Waheed! 

Upcoming Events Include: 

Team Meetings and Deadlines January - March  

• • Individual team member coaching as needed - Schedule with Ms. Bennett
  • Team meetings will be in G111 Orchard and/or  Zoom - Students don't need to attend all of these
• Welcome meeting for new team members! Tuesday, January 13 (4-5:30PM)\
• Impromptu training Thursday, January 15 (2-3:30PM-Zoom only)
• Team coaching Tuesday, January 20 (4-5:30PM)
• Team coaching Tuesday, January 27 (4-5:30PM)
• Teach coaching Thursday, January 29 (2-4PM)
• Team coaching Thursday, February 5 (2-4PM) The team finalizes the events for MISL Novice Tournament and the State Championships.
• Team coaching Tuesday, February 10 (4-5:30PM)
• Showcase  Thursday, February 19 (2-3:30PM)
  • Signed Travel Waivers due by NOON Tuesday, February 17, for the February 21 Novice States Tournament at Northwood
  • Signed Travel Waivers due by NOON Tuesday, February 24 for March 7 State Championships at Wayne State
  • Email cabennet@oaklandcc.edu for Zoom link and passcode.  Come to meet others and consider your options!

Upcoming Tournaments 

• February 21: Novice States hosted by Northwood University (Feb. 20 leave. Travel waivers must be received by Feb. 17 to attend as an OCC student, but this event is open to the public.)
  • Registration 9:15 AM Sloan Family Building
  • Round 1 Flight A 10AM - Extemporaneous, Prose, Informative, Rhetorical Criticism, Duo, Poetry
  • Round 2 Flight A 11:30AM - Extemporaneous, Prose, Informative, Rhetorical Criticism, Duo, Poetry
  • Lunch
  • Round 1 Flight B 1:30PM - Persuasion, Programmed Oral Interpretation, After Dinner Speaking, Impromptu, Dramatic Interpretation
  • Round 2 Flight B 2:45 - Persuasion, Programmed Oral Interpretation, After Dinner Speaking, Impromptu, Dramatic Interpretation
  • Finals Round 1: 4PM
  • Finals Round 2: (If needed) 5:15PM
  • Awards Ceremony Sloan Auditorium
• March 7: Michigan Intercollegiate Speech League (MISL) State Championships hosted by Wayne State University (Travel waivers must be received by Feb. 24 to attend as an OCC student, but this event is open to the public.)
  • 9 AM Registration - Manoogian Hall - Wayne State University
  • Rd I Flight A (Extemporaneous, Prose, Informative, Poetry, Rhetorical Criticism, and Duo)
  • Rd II Flight A (Extemporaneous, Prose, Informative, Poetry, Rhetorical Criticism, and Duo)
  • 12:30 / Michigan Intercollegiate Speech League Meeting
  • Rd I Flight B (Impromptu, Persuasion, After Dinner, Programmed Oral Interpretation, and Dramatic Interpretation) 
  • Rd I Flight B (Impromptu, Persuasion, After Dinner Speaking (ADS), Programmed Oral Interpretation, and Dramatic Interpretation) 
  • Final Rounds Flight A
  • Final Rounds Flight B
  • Top ADS speakers @ 6:45PM and Awards ASAP

Benefits:

If you join the team, you can help us continue to be successful, and you will certainly benefit too.  As Inc. Magazine says, “Public Speaking is No Longer a ‘Soft Skill.’ It’s Your Key to Success in Any Field." So, any improvement in your presentation skills will support your success in college and beyond!

Why not try something new, meet others at OCC, and network with individuals from other schools!?

To set up a coaching appointment or get the Zoom link, email Ms. Bennett.