UO Forensics Debate & Speech - Individual Events

Individual Events represent a significant portion of the competitive sucess of the University of Oregon forensics team. The team is currently stringing together the longest streak in team history in any event, winning 12 consecutive tournaments in Extemporaneus Speaking.

The team competes and succeeds in every genre of speech, from platform (memorized speaking) to Dramatic Interpretation and Short Preparation. From 1989-1991 the program finished among the top 15 programs in the nation at the American Forensic Association's National Individual Event Tournament (AFA NIET). The U of O has placed several students among the top ten in the nation in their respective events, including second place in Informative speaking.

Similar to high school, students may enter in multiple events at every tournament and the UO program prides itself on its competitive diversity. Students can bring up to 5 events to each tournament which contributes to the teams collective success. Individual events give students the opportunity to branch out and explore a variety of different styles of speaking, rounding out their education in public presentation.

The team encourages students to actively participate in IE's which can help students learn to think on their feet, utilize multiple techniques of memorization and performance, and critically analyze literature and academic publications of all styles.