This book is on high school forensics. High school forensics is also known as speech and debate. Speech and Debate consists of a multitude of competitive events that you can compete in within the Speech & Debate program of your high school. These events are the following: Cross-Examination Debate, Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Student Congress, Extemporaneous Speaking, and Original Oratory. I have previously won statewide recognition in all of these events.

In this book, I will perform two tasks. One, I will help those with no forensics background help themselves in learning how to speak publicly. I will also offer advanced tactics and tips for the experienced public speaker or debater that will accelerate that person to recognition in both their school and community. It is important to note that one, this study only covers the forensic events of high school speech and debate. I will however give some insight into the world of basic public speaking.

The structure of this book is simple. I will start with sound and reasonable public speaking strategies. I will teach the learner how to deal with the fear of speaking in public. Then I will focus on the articulation and variation of the speaking voice. After covering the verbal elements of delivery, I will discuss the non-verbal elements of speaking. I will even discuss a multitude of delivery techniques. After dealing with the fundamentals of speaking in public, I will move on to actual competitive speaking strategies. Finally, I will discuss argumentation and debate.

The second part of this book is on the basics of thespian events found in high school speech and debate tournaments. Thespian events are acting and performing events. These events are oral interpretation of literature, humorous interpretation of literature, dramatic interpretation of literature, duet acting, duo acting, and prose/poetry. None of these events are original works of acting. All of these events are performances of another author’s works. Thespian events differ from forensic events, because you are often using someone else’s work as your own.

I wish all those who are reading this book, good luck in any speaking competitions you may enter.