Help Please!

[tenniskid511]

I love speech and debate. I think it is the best club a school could offer, and, on top of that, one of the most fun and creative things any student could be a part of.

The problem:

At my school, our advisor simply does not care. He/she does not want to recruit more members, help people with their pieces, or even tell people how to actually compete. Members go to tournaments without even knowing how many times they are supposed to present their piece.

Obviously, due to the lack of emotion and passion on the coach's part, the whole team consists of about ten students, only about 5 of which actively participate in tournaments. We need ten to even qualify for the percentage placings. Hardly any of us place because we don't get the feedback and practice we need.

What can I do?! I want nothing more than to see our school succeed, and, at that, at least give students a chance to be involved in such a great program, that, right now, they have no idea exists. I try to recruit friends, but that only goes so far when the announcements make it sound boring, and there is no dedication from any members in the group (but, it seems, me).

If there is anything I can do, please tell me :(

[MajesticTOASTER]

I know how you feel. My coaches aren't as bad as yours, but I definitely do feel like I'm on my own a lot of the time when it comes to forensics.

My only advice is to educate yourself and be a leader for your team. Learn the rules of the events, and whenever you get the chance, watch extra rounds (especially finals) of events you compete in. Lots of times, you can learn from watching other people perform.

Also, don't be afraid to compete yourself. Even if you don't know exactly what you're doing, you never will be confident unless you put yourself out there and show everyone what you can do. Your judge, God willing not a mom, will have enough experience to give you honest critiques and suggestions that will help you improve your work.

Lastly, if you think it would help or make a difference for you and your team, you could try getting new sponsors. Perhaps you can find a teacher that competed in forensics in high school or college that wouldn't mind coaching you. If that doesn't work, if you can find a theater teacher, that might do the trick, as well.

Whatever happens, just remember that you can do well, even if those around you are unhelpful or uninspired. : )

[DD4n6nerd11]

You could always hire a former speech competitor from a local college. Many times students are still very interested in speech but don't have the means to do it in college (it HAS to be your life) or perhaps are just looking to make a LITTLE extra cash on the side. If you offer $10 a session or something (I work for less overall) and find someone who is actually legit, it can be really helpful. I only know this because I am a college student who helps out at a local high school. I have a contract for the entire year, but I thoroughly enjoy helping kids with pieces and going to the local libraries and looking for books with them (its hard to find us, but we're out there). Put up fliers at the local college or something and see what responses you get. Who knows? Maybe you'll find a state champ of some obscure state who can help? It never hurts to at least try.

[interpwarrior40]

ask josh aiken or jaikes (his username) for advice.
he was in the same pickle but now his team is doing considerably well

[prosergal]

I am so sorry. I feel for you. I do. I was on a small team, and even though the coaches tried, they really knew little about theatrics. Enthusiasm is wonderful but does not substitute for knowledge.

The best thing you could do, I feel, is to step-up and be a leader for the team (as people above have mentioned). Get the core of your team to schedule practices together and have all 5-10 of you helping one another. As one person performs have the rest take notes (anonymously if people won't be honest openly) to turn in to the performer after they are done...perhaps let people voice their constructive criticism. This gets voices heard, perhaps offers a solution to a trouble spot in a piece, and builds team cohesion.

It also sounds like enthusiasm from the team, and the school population in general, is low. You might want to try doing some team building activities or fun activities for the team (dinner practice perhaps?) to boost moral. Put locker sings up to wish good luck before competition. That gets team members excited to compete AND gets word out to the school.

This might be hard, but maybe have a chat with your coach on how you feel about how he/she treats the team. Your coach might need some encouragement him/herself.

Try. Keep competing and do what you love.