The Cerritos College Forensics Team

forensics (Speech and debate) team

You are invited to join the forensics, or competitive speech and debate, team!

Forensics is competitive speech and debate. Forensics students compete in various events, such as impromptu-style speaking and debate. Tournaments are typically held on weekends. Beginners are welcome; we do not require try-outs or prior experience. Tournaments have a novice division just for people who have very little speaking experience but want to learn and improve.

For questions related to the team, or if you are interested in joining the team, please contact team director Nick Matthews at nmatthews@cerritos.edu

When does the forensics team meet?

Forensics team practice meetings are held on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Depending on their goals and interests, students may attend any of the meetings described below.

Tuesday meeting schedule

2:00pm-3:15pm: Prepared speech coaching, SS 240 (Communication Studies offices). This workshop is designed for students of all skill levels to work on prepared speech performances, including informative and persuasive speeches as well as oral interpretation of literature performances. Coaches supervise students' development and memorization of their speeches and provide feedback during rehearsals.
3:30pm-4:00pm: Mandatory all-team meeting, SS 207 classroom or Zoom. This meeting is mandatory for all forensics team students. During this meeting, coaches will share team-wide updates, provide information and take signups for upcoming tournaments, etc. Attendance via Zoom is permitted.
4:00pm-5:30pm: Impromptu and extemporaneous speaking practice, SS 207 classroom. This practice prepares students to compete in limited preparation formats of speaking. Topics are chosen on a rotating basis; speakers never give the same speech twice! Students will learn the structure of limited prep speeches and practice preparing and delivering limited prep speeches.

Thursday meeting schedule

2:00pm-3:15pm: Prepared speech coaching, SS 240 (Communication Studies offices). This workshop is designed for students of all skill levels to work on prepared speech performances, including informative and persuasive speeches as well as oral interpretation of literature performances. Coaches supervise students' development and memorization of their speeches and provide feedback during rehearsals.
3:30pm-5:30pm: Debate practice, SS 207 classroom. This practice is designed for students interested in limited preparation formats of debate. Each debate will feature a different topic related to a popular contemporary controversy. Students will learn debate theories and participate in practice debates.

What does the forensics team offer me?

You can earn CSU transferable elective credit, learn to present your ideas dynamically, overcome the fear of public speaking, meet new friends at Cerritos and other colleges, and have the opportunity to attend state and national speech championships. Cerritos speech students can earn scholarships to four-year colleges and valuable experience for their job resumes.

What can I expect from the forensics team?

You can expect individualized coaching assistance, tournament competition, numerous speaking opportunities, fun, and skills that will really make a difference in your life.

Forensics Communication Studies Courses

Forensics is a co-curricular activity, meaning students receive course credit for participating on the forensics team. The forensics courses are open to all students, regardless of major or degree plan, and include coaching support and speaking opportunities before audiences at intercollegiate speech tournaments. Students can enroll in a one-unit, two-unit, or three-unit section of the course, with the number of units corresponding to the minimum course requirements.

How do I get more information about the Forensics Team?

Contact Nick Matthews, Director of Forensics at nmatthews@cerritos.edu