national speech forum

FROM OUR CURRICULUM DIRECTOR

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT NSF

When do I begin working with coaches?

We correspond with students way before the first day of camp!  

At the National Speech Forum (NSF), we understand that face-to-face time is precious - especially in an online format!  That is why our senior interp staff will correspond with students way before the camp’s start date.  When students “arrive” at NSF, ideas for literature will have already been discussed, argumentation for programs already outlined, and most importantly, students will be able to maximize their time beginning on day one.

What events are covered at the National Speakers' Forum?

We have Original Oratory, Informative Speaking, Duo Interpretation of Literature, Dramatic Interpretation of Literature, Humorous Interpretation of Literature, and Program Oral Interp. Students will select one of these events as their main focus for the camp session. 

How will the literature selection process work if I don’t have physical access to the NSF library?

Our senior staff will curate an e-library prior to the first day of camp.

We understand the virtual camp format poses a unique challenge when it comes to the traditional literature selection process for interpretation events.  However, because students at NSF correspond with staffers before camp begins, our educators will have ample time to find specially curated literature that is readily available (or will be made readily available) in an e-book or pdf format, while respecting copyright law, and staying within the limits of the NSDA rules.  With decades of combined coaching experience, NSF senior staffers are equipped with innumerable options varying from the classic, to the contemporary, to the experimental.

Will the lectures be live or recorded?  And are they interactive? How?

Both, and yes!

We will continue to offer two daily lecture series: Form and Depth.  “Form” is an activity and exercise-based series geared toward getting students on their feet, while “Depth” is a lecture and discussion-based series focused on teaching theory relevant to the Art of Interpretation.

As educators, we understand the difficulties involved with extended online learning.  Anything can happen; computer glitches, pet or sibling interruptions, etc. Our online platform accounts for this by being both live AND recorded for later viewing.

Which coaches will I specifically work with at NSF?

All of us! (and then some more!)

Allowing for autonomy, and encouraging creativity are two hallmarks of NSF: Interp, and have helped inform the direction of our curriculum.  Other camps are comprised of small groups (known as “labs”), where students only interact with a few students and a couple of coaches. Our camp is radically different.  Once a student has chosen their piece of literature, they will rotate through all coaches via one-on-one online sessions in order to receive a multitude of perspectives so that the message and story they share are truly their own.  Additionally, since we are online, we have the ability to bring in part-time or guest coaches to cater to the specific needs of each of our students.

TENTATIVE ONLINE DAILY SCHEDULE

10am-11:30am Morning Lab in Event Groups

11:30-12:30pm Event Skills Groups/Seminars/Performance Workshops

12:30-1:00pm Meal /Study Break

1:00-3:00pm Afternoon Lab in Event Groups

3:00-3:30pm Afternoon Study Break with Asynchronous Mini-Lecture Options

3:30-5:30pm Practice Debates/Coaching Sessions

5:30-6:00pm Lab Events

TENTATIVE IN PERSON DAILY SCHEDULE

7:30-9:00am Roll Call/Check-In Breakfast

8:45-9:00am Commuters Arrive and Check-In

9:00-11:30am Lab Event Groups/Lectures/Seminars

11:30-1:00pm Lunch

1:00-5:30pm Event Activities, Workshops, Office Hours, Practice Speeches/Debates

5:30-7:00pm Dinner and Residential Life Activities

7:00-9:00pm Evening Event Seminars and Practice Speeches/Debates

9:00-9:30pm Commuter Checkout and Residents Return to Dorm

9:30-11:30pm Residential Life Activities/Study Time

11:30pm Curfew in Rooms

Schedule and Calendar Notes:

July 14th is an arrival day and registration day, with an all camp meeting at 5pm, followed by dinner and camp opening events until 9:00pm.  All campers should be on campus by 4:30pm on July 14th. 

Week One campers depart on July 21st!

Free Day is July 21st!  2 week residents will have the option to go on walking tours in Boston led by staff from 9:30am until 6:30pm, go home if they live locally, or stay back on campus to rest and relax. 

FROM AN ALUMNUS