FORENSICS

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalms 19:14



Communication skills for the greater population have been on a general decline over the past fifty years and even longer. In fact, still considered as some of the finest speeches and debates ever given on the senate floor, the likes of Daniel Webster, John Calhoun, and Henry Clay have been unmatched in eloquence, style, passion and content. They lived and served from the early 1800's - 1850's. They were responsible for holding the Union together due to their oratory skills. The Civil War did not break out until after they had died. Very powerful, wouldn't you agree?

They lived a long time ago, so why would they still be considered as some of the best orators? Exactly! There were and are very few with the abilities. A better question would be 'how did they become such great orators'? It is because the education system of the time believed in public declamation beginning at an early age. Yes, they had to get up front and give speeches, starting in elementary school on! It wasn't just to their classmates either. It was a public display. It isn't any wonder why they were so good. They lived it all their lives.

We, as a society, have not done or taught like that for 100 - 150 years. Fortunately, the winds of change are upon us. Speech and debate have been rapidly growing in the homeschool community throughout the United States. Homeschoolers as individuals and groups have been competing in tournaments for state, regional and national competitions. It is a rapidly growing movement.

Why get involved in speech and debate? Communication in this day and age is mandatory. We are in the 'information age' and your ability to communicate will make or break your effectiveness in the workplace, family life, and especially in defense of your world view. Our leaders of tomorrow are our students of today. We need strong leaders, and leaders can only be as strong as their ability to convince others that they are right.


We will be participating in various NCFCA Tournaments. You do not need to be a member of any organization to compete in these tournaments, but you must be a member of Cornerstone Family School to participate in the MAACS Tournament (or be a member of MAACS yourself).

The mission of our group is to encourage homeschooled students from around the Topeka area (and state) to learn the art of speech and debate and apply it to their daily lives so:

~* that all students would be able to articulate their thoughts and ideas in a logical, persuasive and concise manner based on their knowledge;
* that the students would be able to use argumentational skills in a positive manner without anger, when someone disagrees with them;
* that the students would be able to share their faith and defend their faith and their convictions when the situation arises.

Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man. Colossians 4:6