In early January, two Trinity Prep forensics seniors attended the 18th Billy Tate Memorial Southern Bell Forum in extemporaneous speaking at the Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville. Sixteen of the country's best extempers were invited to compete in a ten-round Round-Robin. Nathaniel Saffran '16 finished seventh, and Justin Graham '16 placed second.
The various rounds of competition are intense and require extreme skill and concentration. Extemperers draw three questions, select one, and put the other two back. They then have 30 minutes to prepare a seven-minute speech which answers the question, using three lines of analysis. They may not use notes.
The judging and scoring of the speakers is comprised of many different parts. First, they are judged on whether they have answered the question (as opposed to addressing a modified question that they know more about). Next, their ability to provide a well-structured and balanced speech in which all three areas of analysis are given equal space is scored. The judges then determine if the analysis is supported by timely and credible evidence from news and academic sources (students must typically reference six to 10 pieces per speech). Speakers at this level are word perfect, fluent, and articulate, sounding as if they had their speech memorized. They are relaxed, engaging, humorous, and prodigiously well informed on topics from Africa to economics, politics, and social issues.
Dean Rhoads, director of the forensics program and teacher, said, "These students enter college sounding like grad students. Professors grab them for research projects because they have college level skills and a higher understanding when they walk through the door."
We couldn't be prouder of Nat and Justin! Congratulations, boys!
