On Friday May 23, the Bay Area’s collegiate forensics programs united to compete in the spring intramural tournament that affords CCSF, SFSU, Skyline College, and USF students an opportunity to practice and apply methods and skills in public speaking and debate. Students competed in Impromptu Speaking where students receive a set of quotations, choose one quotation, and then have 2 minutes to prep a 5-minute speech. The following students were finalists earning silver in impromptu speaking: Zane Chang, Christina Bernardino, Zachary Swit, and Priscilla Tso. Jared Swit took first place in impromptu earning gold. Bernadette Noonan competed in Interpretation of Literature and took first place, bringing home the Gold.
The following weekend, May 1st, students competed in what would turn out to be an 11-hour straight day on zoom competing in the Northern California Forensics Association Spring Fling tournament. 13 colleges and universities convened online for this event. 3 Skyline students broke to the final round in impromptu. Nerissa Chang placed 6th and Christina Bernardino placed 5th both earning bronze. Priscilla Tso not only took 1st place but also “picket fenced” the round, which means she received all “1’s” from the 3 judges and highest speaking points possible earning gold on behalf of Skyline Forensics!
If you are interested or know someone who would enjoy taking risks and going out of their comfort zone when it comes to public speaking, debate and advocacy-come join our team by enrolling in COMM 172: Forensics, no prior competitive speech and debate experience required. Registration for this course is now open.
Article by Lindsey Ayotte