About the Doane College Forensics Team
How often does the team practice?
- The forensics team meets every Tuesday night from 6:30-9:30 p.m. During this time, we have announcements concerning tournament travel; we discuss how to put together events; we peer coach one another; we hold impromptu and extemporaneous speaking workshops; we research and write speeches; and we cut and edit interpretive programs. Each team member also signs up for 1-2 one-hour individual practice sessions each week with the coaching staff, as well as several peer coaching sessions with their fellow teammates.
How often does the team compete at tournaments?
- Our competitive season spans from late September to early April (with approximately one month off for winter break). Students are required to attend at least 8 regular season tournaments. Our tournament schedule is large to accommodate students who participate in other extra-curricular activities at Doane.
Where does the team travel to for competition?
- We travel to other colleges and universities throughout the Midwest, although national tournaments usually take us much further away from home. We fly to most national tournaments and ride in Doane College vans to most regular season tournaments.
What are the social benefits of forensics?
- There are lots of social benefits to joining the speech team! We have strong team cohesiveness, which make team practices and tournament travel a lot of fun! Plus, team members plan numerous non-forensics activities throughout the year just for fun. We've gone bowling, shopping, and swimming together, watched movies, barbecued, and so on. We also have a summer retreat that is full of team bonding activities to get us acquainted and motivated before the school year begins.
What are the academic benefits of intercollegiate speech and debate?
- Doane Forensics offers students an opportunity to develop research, critical thinking, organization, persuasion, and oral communication skills. Intercollegiate speech and debate competition provides useful career preparation in education, broadcasting, public affairs, law, politics, business, and other professions requiring strong communication skills.
- Doane Forensics provides students with the opportunity to earn academic credit. For each semester of competition, students can register for 3 hours of Competitive Speech courses.
- Doane Forensics appeals to students with different goals and interests. The activity is interdisciplinary with subject matter taken from such disciplines as economics, politics, sociology, science, communication, history, English, theatre, philosophy, and many others.
- Doane Forensics provides students with an opportunity to develop social skills, including experiences in teamwork and group membership. Students develop realistic attitudes toward competition through competing responsibly and effectively in an intellectual environment.