By Cynthia Wang
With APAC forensics approaching in 3 weeks time, the 10 members on the team are each rigorously preparing for his or her events. This year’s SAS Pudong forensics team is unique in its representation from all grade levels and inclusion of several forensics veterans.
Freshman Sherissa Wu said, “I chose to participate in forensics mainly because it’s different from the other APACs.”
Wu also emphasized the variety of events forensics members specialize in – a characteristic of this APAC that is vastly distinct. “Within the other sports and arts and things it’s really only one event; but with forensics, you can be an actor or extemper and succeed all the same.”
On the other hand, many of this year’s APAC forensics members chose to try out on the basis of their interest in public speaking, acting, and so on.
“There’s nothing like the thrill of public speaking!” said junior Annie Qiu. She said that since she got into speech writing and public speaking, she gained “confidence and the ability to speak [her] mind.”
Senior Hannah Power, a veteran of forensics, reiterated this point. After “stumbling upon forensics in 9th grade during club activity day,” Power chose to give it a shot. “I loved performing and public speaking so I decided to try it out and loved it!”
Power is confident in her preparations. “I’ve almost memorized my script for SA and I have to make quite a few reductions to my OI piece but I think I am right on track,” said Power.
Meanwhile, Qiu is in the process of revising her Original Oratory speech. “There’s definitely a long way to go, because I need to finalize my speech before determining how to best deliver the speech.”
Qiu also brings schoolwork into consideration. “Last year I only had to manage one event with less coursework as a sophomore, so it’ll be a challenge to balance two events and schoolwork,” Qiu said.
But, the sheer range of APAC forensics events resurfaces in the diverse methods of preparation for each event. Wu, with two impromptu events, is not too concerned with balancing schoolwork with her events.
“My main event is debate, and as it’s an impromptu event, you only receive the motion fifteen or so minutes beforehand before debating, so no prior prep is possible. For solo acting, practice doesn’t take longer than fifteen minutes.”
With a number of senior veterans participating in their final APAC forensics, the team is in need for recruits. Power encourages students to try out while advising students who didn’t make the time this year to “give it another go.”
“For those that look over forensics, I would definitely advise students to take a look at trying out, especially if you are into public speaking or debate!”