Frequenty Asked Questions
What is FORENSICS?
Forensics is an activity intended to help you improve your public communication skills through competition in intercollegiate speech tournaments or through the presentation of speeches in public settings. You will create and revise presentations so you can successfully participate and improve.
Most students who have been in Forensics, think it is a lot of fun. The team members help each other prepare their events, travel together, meet new people, and generally enjoy the activity and the socialization associated with it at the same time that they learn.
I always associate forensics with Dr. Quincy. Where did you get the name?
We often hear that question. Early intercollegiate speech competition was debate, and it was modeled after legal argumentation. Since "forensic speaking" was the name given to legal speeches in ancient Greece, the name was used to identify the activity. Later public speaking and oral interpretation events were added, but the name remained.
Medical examiners are often referred to as "Forensic Pathologists" because they practice medicine to render expert testimony in legal proceedings. We don't cut up cadavers, but we do proclaim the truth as we have researched it when called upon to speak.
Are there any SCHOLARSHIPS available?
There are forensic scholarships available to Kingwood College; however, these scholarships are limited We invite everyone interested in a scholarship to apply. If you need a scholarship in order to come to Kingwood and be on our team, please contact Dom Bongiorni, Director of Forensics.
You will need to have a letter of recommendation preferably from your high school theatre or speech/debate coach. You will also need to be prepared for an audition. Your audition may be sent to Dr. Bongiorni on a video cassette or done in person. If you choose to audition in person, you will need to call for an appointment.
The best time to apply is in the spring before all the scholarships are awarded. Do not procrastinate if you really need a scholarship! What have you got to lose?
The Kingwood College Financial Aid Office is very good at helping qualified students to find funds for college. You will want to contact them for help in addition to applying for a scholarship.
What if I've never done competitive speech before?
You're still welcome to join our team! No experience is required to be a member of the KINGWOOD team. Our purpose is to help you learn how to become a better communicator regardless of the level at which you begin.
What if I'm not very good?
The KINGWOOD program is not based solely on competitive success (although that is one goal), so your skill level is not as important as your willingness to do your best and work to improve. The coaching staff is here to help you develop your events for competition or public performance and to help you practice to become better. Naturally, everyone feels better when they win in competition, but you don't need to guarantee you'll win in order to become involved. If you do what you can to personally excel, that's all we can ask of you. Most people discover they're better than they thought.
What if I am pretty good?
There are opportunities to qualify for national PHI RHO PI championship competition where you compete against the best collegiate speakers and debaters from throughout the country. Getting to nationals is a difficult task, and anyone who qualifies should know he/she has accomplished something special. In addition many of our team members have earned scholarships to outstanding four year programs.
How much time does it take?
Like any other intercollegiate team, you need to put time into preparing for competition. The Forensics team sometimes meets as a group Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:30 - 2:50 PM. All team members sign up for individual coaching sessions, 2 days a week for one hour each day, at times they have available. Between coaching sessions, you work on your events: doing research, writing the speeches, and practicing them. The total amount of time you spend will depend on how many events you do, and how well you want to do at the tournaments.
Do I have to go to all the tournaments?
The number of tournaments we have each semester is determined by the size of the budget and the size of the team. Should we have a really large team, then everyone would probably not get to go to all of the tournaments. Recently we have been going to about six tournaments in a semester. Depending on the tournament schedule and the tournament location, we usually leave Friday morning or afternoon and return either late Saturday or Sunday night.
To answer your question, no. The minimum requirement (to get a grade of "C") for everyone who is enrolled in Forensics Activities is to go to at least two tournaments and compete. Scholarship students are required to do go to at least four tournaments, and of course, if you want to go beyond those minimum requirements you may.
How much does it cost?
Forensics is supported by your student activities fees and the college budget, and many of the expenses are covered by that budget. The Forensics budget generally pays for transportation to tournaments, entry fees, lodging, and up to $35 per day for meals. You will need to pay for incidental expenses such as materials for your speeches and food in excess of the meal allowance. The Forensics budget is very limited, and to insure everyone has opportunities to travel, we have to do what we can to conserve money.
Do I have to be a Speech Communication major?
Not at all. In fact, the majority of our team members are majors from other departments. They recognize the importance of good communication and want to improve their skills as well as challenge themselves in a supportive and enjoyable environment.
