2003 Fall Rookie speech and debate Tournament

November 14 & 15

• Schedule
• Judging Information
• Student Information Sheet





Laurie Dilks won Top Overall Speaker at the Fall 2001 Rookie Tournament. After winning her award, she joined the Forensics program and continues to improve her speaking and performance skills.



What is the rookie tournament?

The rookie tournament is a chance for any CMST student, but especially CMST 11, CMST 111, CMST 114 and CMST 115 students to gain further public speaking and debate experience. A "Rookie" is a student has no previous competitive public speaking or debate experience. All of the students from the entry level CMST courses will be rookie competitors.

What are the specifics of the tournament?

It is listed as CMST 015. Enrollment in CMST 015 is credit/no credit only.

How do students sign up?

Not through TRACS. Instructors should have received a form by which students can enroll in the class.

What events are offered?

The tournament features 4 different events: debate (primarily for the Argumentation classes), informative speaking, persuasive speaking, and impromptu speaking. Informative and persuasive speeches should be 5-8 minutes long with visual aids optional. Impromptu speakers will be given three (3) topics to choose from, such as quotations or one word abstracts. Students will then be given seven (7) minutes to deliver a speech in an informative or persuasive structure. (Impromptu speakers must also be entered in debate or informative speaking.) Students should not enter persuasion and impromptu because part of the educational process is watching and learning from other students.

What are the students required to do?

The students are required to attend all their rounds, a final rounds (even if they do not advance) and the awards ceremony. In return, students receive one full unit of credit and the possibility of winning a prized trophy. ( All Semi-finalists and Finalist will be recognized at the awards ceremony.)

What can the students gain?

In addition to impressing mom and dad with an extra unit of credit, students can win trophies while honing their public speaking and/or argumentation skills. This event also makes a great addition to their resume. They will also receive written feedback on the respective speech(es).

Why would a student turn down a deal like this?

I honestly can't tell you!

If I can't attend the Rookie Tournament, what do I do?

Choosing NOT at attend the Rookie Tournament (CMST 15) will have the same consequence as if you did not attend any other class--you will not pass. You will receive a No Credit on your transcript. If you know of a conflict with the Rookie Tournament and it's in the first 4 weeks of class, you can still drop CMST 15. After the 4th week of class, dropping CMST 15 (the Rookie Tournament) is just like dropping any other course--you need a "serious and compelling" reason. See the university catalog for definition.

I believe I have a "serious and compelling" reason and I want to drop CMST 15. What do I do?

First, you need to talk to your instructor. They will let you know if your reason meets the definition established by the university. If the instructor finds your reason compelling, you should obtain a note from the instructor and take it to THMA 379 and speak with the Director of Forensics, Dr. Kristina Schriver. She can be reached at 898-4771.