Communication Analysis
A speech which applies a communication methodology to some sort of persuasive artifact. The objective of the speech is to enhance audience appreciation of both the rhetorical artifact as well as the communication methodology selected. Audio-visual aids may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message. (If visual aids are used, however, the speaker should insure that they are well-crafted, that they are viewable by all members of the audience, and that they are germane to the presentation.) Maximum time limit is 10 minutes.
Competitors are reminded of the AFA-NIET General Rule 6-k, which states: "Coaches and/or students should have available at the District and National NIET tournaments copies of all interpretive and original events used at the tournaments." Further, the AFA Code of Ethics specifies that, "Competitors are expected to bring to tournaments a copy of the original inclusive text along with the student's script."
A communication analysis is an original speech which explains, analyzes, or evaluates a communication artifact (speech, advertisement, text, icon, symbol, movement, theory, etc.) The speech should focus on a significant rhetorical or communication artifact and/or theory and should present the audience with new information about the topic, rather than simply repeating commonly known aspects of the topic. The speech should be thematically coherent, presenting an adequate explication of both the artifact and the theory as well as a focused application of the theory to the artifact. Speakers are not limited to traditional rhetorical artifacts, but if a non-traditional text is selected, the speaker should justify the communicative or rhetorical importance of the artifact for the audience. The focus of the speech should remain on the communicative aspects of the artifact rather than on the novelty of the artifact itself. (In other words, speakers will not be rewarded for finding an unusual artifact with little or no communicative potential, or which demands the application of a purely elementary communication theory.)
The body of the speech should be well organized and employ sound principles of argument. Although in no way mandatory, a typical organizational platform includes an attention-getter, an introduction, a thesis statement, a preview, a thorough examination of the artifact, a discussion of the communication/rhetorical theory, an application of the theory to the artifact, a summary and a conclusion. An ample variety of credible sources should be consulted and cited within the presentation, as well as integrated into the speaker's logical argument. The speaker is reminded to include a calculation of the expertise of the audience when considering source materials.
All principles of effective presentation should be demonstrated. Clear transitions should be made between main points so that the organizational structure of the speech is cumulatively reviewed and previewed. Effective language should be utilized. Non-verbal components should be effectively demonstrated, such as direct and communicative eye-contact, and good posture and poise. Gestures should be motivated, comfortable, and should enhance, not detract from the presentation. The speech should be free from lapses in memory or breaks in fluency. Poor enunciation or incorrect grammar or pronunciation should be penalized.
Speeches range from 8 to 10 minutes are recommended; deviations from the time limits should be punished according to the severity of the infraction.
Communication analysis, (sometimes called rhetorical criticism), is an event which seeks to broaden the audience's understanding of the communication process by applying a theory of communication to an interesting artifact. The speaker is evaluated not only on speaking skills, but also analysis, and the degree to which the rhetorical or communication theory is understood and applied. The event is particularly useful for students headed for graduate school, or for careers in law or the academy.
