Join your fellow coaches and educators to chat about all things speech and debate! As part of each month's CONNECT Focus week we'll virtually gather to collaborate, ask questions, and network. #NSDAchat is an easy and fun way to connect with other coaches, teachers, and those who are passionate about speech and debate.
Hi, NSDA Fam! My name is Dr. Courtney Wright and I am the Director of Forensics at Illinois College (@ICTrueBlue). Thank you so much for inviting me! I competed for @ReitzPanthers & @wkuforensics & am thrilled to talk about POI, one of my favorite events. #NSDAchat
A1 -- I am new to POI, but really like how students can "argue" for or against something over the course of their program. I also like being surprised by the pieces students use in their programs - especially ones that I already knew in a different context. #NSDAchat
Excited to geek out about my favorite event. @MobileMrBill ... if you joined in too, this would basically qualify as a @WKUForensics reunion. lol #NSDAChat
A1: We've had POI/Farrago in Wisconsin HS speech for at least 30 years. I've coached it since 1997, and coached it in collegiate Speech. It's always been a great way to incorporate argument/thematic/genre synthesis: high-level critical thinking in interp! #NSDAchat
A1 As a debate coach POI intrigues because of the level of research it takes for a student to compete at a national level. If I taught English, I could definitely see it as a valuable asset to my curriculum. #POIfect#NSDAchat
Hello #NSDAchat! We are the two POI coaches here at GMU. Both of us competed in the event previously, and we found a love for the way POI combines argumentation and artistic expression.
A1: As a collegiate competitor @WKUForensics (years ago) I fell in love competing in POI bc I had the opportunity to form an argument unique to my life experience and voice. As a coach, I love helping students find their own voice. #NSDAChat
I adore POI. I love seeing new and unique ways of showcasing a theme through poetry AND prose. It gives students so much more to research and explore. The cutting and format needs to be well done in order for the piece to really resonate with the audience. #NSDAchat
The depth of research interpers should do is important-- kids should research milieu in which their literature was written, social impact-- both historical and contemporary, etc. Like theatrical dramaturges do, it helps inform the performer to introduce & perform best. #NSDAchat
It's similar to helping a student come up with an OO Topic. Ask them questions: what do you want to change in the world? Why? OR How do you think you can make an impact? How?... this line of questioning - with some guidance for novices - is a great way to start. #NSDAChat
A1. I encountered POI when I joined the @coloradocollege Speech & Debate team. I had done all the interps offered in CO in HS, and I fell in love with the ability to present multiple POVs and voices on a unified theme. POI is my favorite (shhh...don't tell my team). #NSDAchat
A2 Library time! I like to chat w/ students about what they are looking for and then we as a large group go to the library & collectively look for those topics or types of books. There is great joy when one student finds something another student loves and wants to use! #NSDAchat
Similar to developing argument I have students read to develop theme and question; then we begin to explore lens and discipline...examining art, informational and other various forms. #NSDAchat
Q2: 1st, determine issue/argument student wants to explore, just like narrowing topic for essay. Then, talk to ELA teachers, librarians, etc. - let one source inspire the next! Current periodicals can offer a nice nonfiction counterpoint to rich fiction, too. #NSDAchat
Mr.Schappaugh, I start asking my kid what they are passionate about OR something that has impacted them or society. I find that when they FEEL about that topic, it will showcase in every aspect of the performance. #nsdachat
A2 to be #POIfectly honest - I need help here. I’ve been lucky with self motivated kids who do most of their research. I guess you could say they #PickTheirOwnPOIson#NSDAchat
For me, I look for a good piece of literature first, something that is connected to a larger theme that has social significance, the clash of opposing view points, and then I encourage the student to appreciate the complexities of all the sides. #NSDAchat
In reply to
@steveschappaugh, @joelemiguel, @wkuforensics
To find literature for POI, we like to start by asking students questions about their "big passion", or what areas of the world they are curious, excited, or angry about. Then, we help them narrow that by finding a piece of literature. We call it the "thread piece.' #NSDAchat
A2. 1) Find the topic/theme a kid connects with. 2) I am constantly keeping an eye out for new plays, poets, books, etc. I find short stories lend themselves to POI really well. I've also had kids start curating a team interp piece idea database (1/2) #NSDAchat
I like the idea of looking for the thread piece. Of course be willing to adjust but having that foundation is probably a good momentum builder #NSDAchat
As someone who prides herself on reading a LOT -- I often find myself thinking "ohhh this would make a great piece -- for the right student!" Sometimes that student isn't even on the team... yet! #NSDAchat
Love the concept of "thread piece." I've called this "anchor piece" in the past -- but something that has a lot of gravity and heart makes for a great nucleus from which everything else orbits. #NSDAchat
A2: once 'topic area' is chosen, i like for the student to research all areas of literature poe/dra/pro to help them solidify the argument. let the literature help guide the arg. #NSDAChat
If a student was having troubles with a theme, I had them look at the approved websites list that is on the NSDA website and start perusing some of the poetry sites. A lot of them have themes that students can click on and it helps with a starting point! #nsdachat
A2. Sometimes I start with a good documentary, if you find the right one, you'll start with something that has a lot of the dynamics of a POI are already presented. I also like drawing from short fiction collections, stand up comedy, and classical literature. #NSDAchat
A2) Interp idea database: if a kid stumbles upon a piece of lit that they think would work for interp, they add it too a Google Sheet w/ key info (author, title, topic, keywords). Even if they find something that won't work for them, it helps the team. #NSDAchat
We will often encourage a student to watch short poems on youtube, especially slam poetry. It lets them get through a lot of inspiring topic ideas in a short amount of time! #NSDAchat
A3: Movement is necessary to help paint pictures, and to bringing literature to life. BUT... blocking/book tech should be used like how spices are used in cooking. If you use too much... your food might be a bit TOO spicy... #NSDAChat
It really helps students develop a cutting that follows the dramatic structure! We also encourage them to find a thread piece which is very universal, so that the audience has someone to relate to throughout the program. #NSDAchat
A3: In Wisconsin HS Speech, reading events (those with manuscript) differ from acting events (memorized performance). Using manuscript as prop is often frowned upon at a number of contests. I worry it becomes a gimmick, rather than substantive nonverbal enhancement. #NSDAchat
We encourage our students to base all book tech, blocking, and environment on the text itself, so the choices are justified and make sense to the audience. If the movement will help bring the words and author's intent to life, we are all for it! #NSDAchat
Part of the creativity is in the space. I say allow the students to create within those limits which might include some creative book tech. #FreetheBook#NSDAchat
I always liked Alexander Graham Bell's method for thinking up inventions... a table of thinkers, a box of donuts, and well... perhaps that's just because I'm pro-Graham #POInters#NSDAchat
A3. As someone who went from no books in HS interp (in CO) to books in collegiate competion, I found there's a big learning curve. I think the book helps shift the focus to the literature/POVs presented in the program. #NSDAchat
A3 cont: when teaching blocking for POI, think of two things: the GENRE and the CHARACTER for each piece of lit. We know what Poetry looks and feels like; same with DI and Prose... use what you know of the genres to help make choices. #NSDAChat
A3 - Honestly I'd be happy to never see a book used as a machine gun or a butterfly again. I am always impressed when a student does something I've not "seen before." #NSDAchat
I agree--all movement must be purposeful. Biggest tip to constructing a good POI--be intentional with page turns! They can be such a good transitional device. #NSDAchat
A3 - I really like moments of stillness. I wish students would slow down sometimes and let me have a minute to process and see their emotion before popping to a different page or different character. #NSDAchat
A3 cont: when teaching blocking for POI, think of two things: the GENRE and the CHARACTER for each piece of lit. We know what Poetry looks and feels like; same with DI and Prose... use what you know of the genres to help make choices. #NSDAChat
Yes, I can understand that concern. Book tech definitely can focus student's attention toward gimmickry. That said, it is always nice to see someone create something unique in forensics. #NSDAchat
A4 lots of answers here. Partner is obvious - @scabby_squirmer. Event - we’d prefer Group Interpretive Reading. But we get it, it’s not a NSDA event - but doesn’t mean we can’t perform it at the expo #nats18#nsdachat
A4: In this political climate... I feel like OBVI POI will be THE EVENT to see at #Nats18 bc students are afforded the ability to be very straightforward - as opposed to the sometimes coy or "beat around the bush" args of DI or DUO. #NSDAChat
A4. I'd compete in POI, obviously. I love that event too much and am so excited it's a @speechanddebate main event. Though part of me would love to do a duo with my HS coach/now coaching colleague, Sally Graham (who isn't on Twitter, unfortunately). #NSDAchat
Possibly Oratory, I would call it “Take it to the Bank” and outline a speech about the negative impacts of over promising and under delivering. #NSDAchat
A4: Achieving well in Oratory has always been my dream. If I were in a partner event, I'm going to echo @Mrs_McCool and name my husband and former debate coach @JScottBakerPhD, and say Public Forum or Policy, since we play off each other well intellectually. #NSDAchat
100% I'd do POI if I were competing at #NATS18... and my argument would be about how immigrant status uncertainty specifically effects LGBTQ immigrants. #NSDAChat
Yup. Database is the way to go--I add to it a lot. It's searchable by kids, and it's definitely a team effort to maintain, which had helped connect members of the team. #NSDAchat
Whew! That went quickly! Thank you for joining in on our second #NSDAchat. If you missed any of the questions feel free to keep the conversation going. Check out our POI resources on https://t.co/Tj4Wske8e1 and come back on Feb 15 for a chat about planning travel for #NATS18!
