Hey, Campers! It is, amazingly, the 17th day of the Clapocalypse. Hopefully you are ready for some spooooooky content today, because Bailey Patterson and Marcus Viney have returned with part two of their terrifyingly brilliant analytical series: Chronicles from the Crypt! Don't miss it!
Hi there, Campers! Your crypt-keepers are back!
Marcus Viney and Bailey Patterson deliver up chills and thrills with the second installment of their series: Chronicles from the Crypt. Marcus and Bailey are taking some amazing Nationals performer pieces and dissecting what makes a performance not just good but unforgettable.
Marcus and Bailey pick up where they left off with an exploration of two national final round performances that left audiences spellbound. First up is Tess Segal's 2022 informative speech on water access, "Blood in the Water." Tess masterfully transforms a seemingly mundane topic into a compelling narrative that highlights global water issues. Her ability to connect data to real-world impacts makes her message both educational and captivating. By debunking common myths about global water supply and showcasing the commercialization of this basic resource, Tess turns what could have been a dry subject into a riveting tale of corporate greed and human survival.
One of the key takeaways from Tess's performance is the importance of topic selection and the use of visual aids. While water might seem like an overdone topic, Tess's creative approach and personal insights breathe new life into it. Her use of visual aids, such as a five-gallon jug to represent the Earth's total water supply and a tiny amount to symbolize usable water, helps to make complex ideas more accessible. These visual metaphors, combined with her engaging storytelling, illustrate that even the most familiar subjects can be transformed into powerful presentations.
The episode then shifts focus to Taylor Headrick's 2019 Humor piece, "Killer Halloween." Taylor's performance is a masterclass in characterization and the use of reactions to generate laughter. Her bold choices, such as rapping her introduction and using unique sound effects, demonstrate the importance of daring creativity in humor interpretation. By creating clear and distinct characters through voice, body, and facial expressions, Taylor ensures that her audience is not only entertained but also able to follow the storyline effortlessly.
One of the standout moments in Taylor's performance is her ability to use facial expressions and reactions to elicit laughter. A powerful example is when the Halloween killer makes a threatening call to the ditzy character Sue. Taylor's immediate switch between characters and her expressive reactions convey multiple emotions and meanings, making the scene hilarious without the need for funny lines. This highlights a crucial insight into humor: it's not just what characters say, but how they react that truly brings out the humor.
Bailey and Marcus share their invaluable insights throughout the episode. They emphasize the importance of watching and learning from other speakers to improve one's own skills. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned competitor, analyzing performances like those of Tess and Taylor can provide fresh inspiration and strategies to elevate your own presentations.
Thank you to our crypt-keepers, Marcus and Bailey for taking us into the catacombs of talent and givings us the gift of Chronicles from the Crypt!
Links for today's examined performances:
Tess Segal, Informative Speaking, 2022, "Blood in the Water" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2O7ZXVznRdA
Taylor Headrick, Humorous Interpretation, 2019, "Killer Halloween" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meTk9yepm4k
Bailey Patterson Camp Bio:
Bailey Patterson is a Communication and Creative Arts Instructor at Laramie County Community College. She earned her Master’s of Communication from the University of Wyoming in 2021 and recently graduated with her Master of Fine Arts Theatre Performance and Pedagogy degree from Texas Tech University last December. She was awarded the National Irene Ryan Acting Award from the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC and named the 2022 Jane Alexander Emerging Artist from the College of Fellows of the American Theatre. She is a former Wyoming state champion in drama, duo, and poetry and National semi-finalist in dramatic interpretation. She enjoys staying active in the speech and debate community by volunteer judging and coaching.
Marcus Viney Camp Bio:
Marcus Viney is head coach of speech and debate at Cheyenne East High School where he has been coaching for ten years. He has Master’s degrees in Philosophy and English from Colorado State University. He currently serves as the District Chair of the Hole-in-the-Wall District for the National Speech and Debate Association. Marcus has celebrated multiple state and national championships with the East High team, and was inducted into the Wyoming Speech and Debate Coach Hall of Fame in 2021. However, he is best known for his local celebrity pug, Junebug.
In addition to the podcast content for Camp One Clap, One Clap Speech & Debate is also launching social media challenges to engage the community. These challenges are designed to help participants connect, learn, and grow within the speech and debate community... plus, they are fun! Tag the podcast's social media accounts or use the hashtag #CampOneClap24 to claim some spooky Clapocalypse stickers and other swag.
I'll be posting my completed Social Media Challenge posts on the One Clap Speech and Debate accounts too!
If you’d like to join the discussion here at One Clap Speech and Debate, shoot me an email at lylewiley@gmail.com or reach out here on the website. You could also contact me on social media:
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Your voice matters!
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