Welcome to James Clemens Speech and Debate!

So, what is "Speech and Debate"?

Speech and Debate is a combination of acting, public speaking, and arguing - all in one competitive activity!

There are three competition areas. In some cases, it is possible to compete in more than one event:

1. Debate- involves an individual or a team of students working to effectively convince a judge that their side of a resolution or topic is, as a general principle, more valid. Students in debate come to thoroughly understand both sides of an issue, having researched each extensively, and learn to think critically about every argument that could be made on each side.

Debate events include: Big Questions, Congressional Debate (House and Senate), Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Policy Debate (Team), Public Forum Debate (Team), and World Schools Debate.

Click here for current debate topics

2. Speech: Public Address-These events feature a speech written by the student, either in advance or with limited prep, that can answer a question, share a belief, persuade an audience, or educate the listener. Dependent on the specific event, these speeches are either written on the spot or carefully curated over the year.

Speech events include: Commentary, Informative Speaking, Expository, Extemporaneous Speaking, and Original Oratory

3. Speech: Interpretation (acting or performance-oriented)- these center upon a student (or a pair of students) selecting and performing published material and appeals to many who enjoy acting and theatre. In the Oral Interpretation events, competitors take pieces of literature and poetry and present their interpretation of them in a 10-minute scene either by themselves or with a partner.

Interp events include: Humorous Interpretation, Dramatic Interpretation, and Program of Oral Interpretation

Click here to go to the National Speech and Debate Association Website for more information