Speech and Debate is both a class and an extracurricular activity. Members of the the Speech and Debate Team:
- Choose the style of speech and/or debate that interests them
- Collaborate and practice with their teammates to prepare for tournaments. There are several tournaments throughout the Speech and Debate season.
- Attend meetings and practices to work on cases or do practice rounds
Speech Communication students develop self-confidence and speaking skills by researching, writing, practicing and delivering oral presentations, some utilizing multimedia. Students gain exposure to competitive speaking by performing speeches similar to ones given at forensic events. The class emphasizes combining rhetoric with advanced oratory to change the hearts and minds of audience members.
Speech Communication Course Description
Students develop self-confidence through oral presentations. They learn and practice how to plan, write, organize and deliver a variety of presentations. They also learn the techniques of academic research, effective interviewing and general life skills. Students will understand debate techniques and the basic terminology of formal argumentation. Students will develop habits of logical thinking, focused listening and an understanding of opposing viewpoints supported by researched evidence. Students are expected to participate in at least three tournaments each year.
Speech and Debate Honors Course Description
