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Forensics Team

“It is one thing to question authority – You must speak with it too.”
– Taylor Mali

For over 30 years, the MHCC Forensics Program has produced many successful speakers and future leaders. During the 2006-2007 season, The MHCC Forensics Team solidified it's place as one of the region's best Forensics Programs, earning numerous regional and national awards, including silver medals in Parliamentary Debate, Extemporaneous Speaking and Impromptu Speaking at the 2007 Phi Rho Pi National Championships in Houston, Texas.

The MHCC Forensics team are the defending three-time Northwest Forensics Conference Community College Champions, and have finished in the top 5 in all of the major tournaments they attended, including a 1st place finish for the Northwest Forensics Conference Division III Sweepstakes, and a 6th place finish for community colleges at the 2007 National Parliamentary Debate Association year-long sweepstakes.

2007 Phi Rho Pi Nationals Team (L to R): Back Row: Coach Shannon Valdivia, Ally Fields, Andrew Hazell, Kristin Palmblad and Jedidiah Parfitt. Front Row: Jay Sabin, Assistant Coach Aaron Kaio

WHAT IS FORENSICS?

Forensics is a competitive Speech and Debate team that gives students the opportunity to use their speaking, analytical and critical thinking skills. Students get a chance to travel to other colleges and universities in the northwest and across the country. They get to expand their horizons, as well as earn college credits toward their degree.

WHY SHOULD I JOIN THE FORENSICS TEAM?

Forensics is an exciting and rewarding educational experience. Forensics prepares students with valuable presentation skills that employers are looking for. These skills can fit any professional situation, from teaching to politics, business to law. When you participate in forensics, you not only learn important life long communication and leadership skills, you will also gain competence and confidence in yourself!!

WHAT DO WE DO???

There are many types of events to choose from. There are Platform Speaking Events, Oral Interpretation Events and Parliamentary and Worlds Style (BP) Debate.

PLATFORM SPEAKING EVENTS:

• Communication Analysis
• Impromptu
• Extemporaneous
• Persuasive
• Informative
• After Dinner Speaking/Speech to Entertain

ORAL INTERPRETATION EVENTS:

• Dramatic Interpretation
• Poetry Interpretation
• Programmed Oral Interpretation (Mixed Genre)
• Prose Interpretation
• Duo Interpretation
• Reader's Theatre

DEBATE EVENTS:

• MHCC Saints Invitational
• Parliamentary Debate
• Schedule of Events

LOCAL SPEAKING EVENTS:

The MHCC Forensics program is committed to be very active on campus as well as in the community, by encouraging opportunities to engage in critical discourse and public speech. The team, in conjunction with the Phi Rho Pi Community College Forensics Honorary, sponsor a debate only tournament through the Greater Portland Parliamentary League as well as the MHCC Saints Invitational High School Tournament in February and the MHCC Casual Fling College Invitational in May. On campus activities include participation in the Political Science Forum Debate Series, a Reader's Theatre performance during the MHCC Women's History Celebration, and a Poetry Slam that is open to High School Poets, MHCC Students, and anyone else in the community.

SCHOLARSHIPS:

There are opportunities to receive talent grants for competing on the team. If you are interested, please either call or write to the following address: