So, what is "Speech and Debate"?
Speech and Debate is a combination of acting, public speaking, and arguing-but all in one competitive sport!
There are three "areas" that you can compete in (you can compete in multiple events):
1. Speech aka "public address events"-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
2. Interpretation events aka "acting or performance-oriented"- these center upon a student (or a pair of students) selecting and performing published material and appeal 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
3. 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, Public Forum (Team) Debate, and World Schools Debate
Click here to go to the National Speech and Debate Association Website for more information
