Forensics Team and the love for speech
Kaitlyn Jorgensen
Staff Writer
Terrified of Public Speaking? You’re not alone! Many people are.
The Maverick Forensics Team is a talented group of individuals who embrace the fear and make it their art. The competitors of the team are dedicated to writing and performing speeches for presentation in a competitive setting.
Whether you’re a Communications major, looking to improve your public speaking, or simply in need of a creative outlet, there’s a spot for everyone of all talents and abilities on the Forensics team.
The Maverick Forensics have a long rich history that dates back to the early years of Minnesota State University, Mankato.
Forensics not only allows for experience in increasing your public speaking skills, but gives students the opportunity to travel and compete in other states, and they also offer scholarships!
Kaylee Matuszak, a junior and captain on the team stated, “Speech is amazing because it gives me an outlet to express myself in ways that I cannot in any other space in my life. I’m able to talk about issues that are important to me while also performing, which I love.”
On Tuesday, Dec. 4, the MNSU Speech and Debate Team traveled to Bloomington to compete in their first tournament of the Twin Cities Forensics League at Normandale Community College.
Kylee Johnson is a sophomore at MNSU.
She placed first in Program Oral Interpretation at last week’s tournament, and also placed third in the category of Prose. She said, “I love speech because it’s activism portrayed as art. We get to speak about things we care about, and perform them in different categories. Everyone can find a home on the team.”
Maverick Forensics remains one of the most active and successful programs in the Upper Midwest. Maverick Forensics is one of only six programs in the country to qualify students for participation in the American Forensics Association-National Individual Events Tournament every year since its inception.
Caitlin Trabant, a freshman member of Maverick Forensics, said, “I love speech because it’s about stepping up and doing what others won’t as well as speaking in front of people for those who can’t. You get to talk about what you’re passionate about, knowing that out there people have their voices silenced and you can speak for them.”
As a competitor on the forensics team you can compete in a multitude of various categories such as poetry, prose, after-dinner speaking and limited prep!
Participation on the team is open to all undergraduate students regardless of experience and major.
For more information, please e-mail Katie Brunner at katie.brunner@mnsu.edu
Feature photo courtesy of Maverick Forensics Team.