Preparing four months early, members of the forensics team participate in debate class in the fall in order to better prepare themselves for the spring forensics season. Forensicators are preparing to qualify for a full forensics state event lineup by January, a goal set by Debate and Forensic coach Parker Hopkins.
Hopkins said that in order to reach this goal, students have to participate in debate to work on skills like learning how to form an argument and thinking on their feet to prepare themselves for the spring.
“The only disadvantage [of separating the debate and forensic seasons] is that our best people don’t work on forensics in the fall unless we provide a space and encourage them to do so. So that’s why we try,” Hopkins said.
Sophomore Cadence Mayfield said the additional practice during the fall boosts her confidence in the field of public speaking, and is a great team building opportunity.
Similarly, sophomore Elizabeth Davis said she takes debate in the fall to warm her voice up and improve her public speaking, but also to prepare her pieces for the spring.
“I wanted to take [forensics] to the next level this year, and that meant more prep time. In debate, I can have that, ” Davis said.
Senior Pryce Brinkerhoff said that participating in debate helps build strong relationships with other students potentially doing forensics in the spring. He said that taking debate helps him assess other students’ skills, as well as help him become a better student. Additionally, Brinkerhoff said that preparing in the fall allows him to help out and sharpen his skills.
“It allows me to be a better team worker and better at organizing by allowing [me] to help people,” Brinkerhoff said.
Mayfield said that preparing during the fall lowered her anxiety going into the spring season. She said the main factor that helped her prepare for the forensics season is the extra preparation time in debate class.
“I think having more time is definitely a big factor,” Mayfield said. “I always get in my head, so having time to prepare instead of just two weeks is definitely helpful.”
