EMU Forensics Team Places Top 12 in 2024 Competitions

The 2024 EMU Forensics Team

Despite the term’s use in crime investigation, the broader meaning of Forensics is more akin to public speaking than it is to CSI. According to the American Forensic Association (AFA), “’Forensics’ is a word rooted in the Western world’s classical experience. The Greeks organized contests for speakers that developed and recognized the abilities their society felt central to democracy. These exercises acquired the title ‘forensics,’ derived from the Latin term for ensis and closely related to forum.” Modern Forensics competitions return to this earlier definition, training participants in the skills of argument and public advocacy.

During the 2024 season, EMU’s Forensics Team joined the leaderboards at the National Forensics Association and the American Forensic Association Competitions. The team as a whole performed up to 80 different speeches at each competition, speeches which spanned across a plethora of genres and subjects. Member Kate Inman performed a compelling speech about the hidden problems with emergency contraception in that it loses effectiveness over a surprisingly low body weight. Cedric Charles performed a poetry reading on police violence and victim-blaming. Katie George gave a sharp and humorous speech on conservative attacks on divorce. Dozens of other teams performed similarly poignant and compelling speeches focused on current day social justice issues.

All EMU students are invited to try out for the Forensics Team. Forensics improves public speaking skills, composition, and brings awareness to important social justice issues. No speech experience is necessary to try out for EMU Forensics, and auditions take place during the summer and in the first week of classes. Email Director Bill Heinze for more information. To keep up with EMU Forensics, follow their Instagram @EMU4n6.