Event Schedule SY 18-19

Speech and debate is an academic special event available to high school students. Similar to athletic sports, speech and debate activities are challenging , competitive in nature, and require regular practice, coaching, and hard work. 

Speech and debate activities focus on the four core zones of literacy: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Utilizing these skills inside and outside the classroom teaches students the value of critical thinking, the ability to clearly articulate thoughts and ideas, to answer questions logically with clarity and to think on one's feet. Additionally, students develop interpersonal skills such as conflict resolution, assertiveness, and listening to peers. These important life skills empower youth to become engaged citizens, skilled professionals and honorable leaders in our society.

For more information, please visit www.speechanddebate.org.

Events

Cross-Examination (Cross-X) Debate involves two teams debating a proposition of policy over a period of approximately 1 hour. One team is assigned the affirmative side of the debate (supports the proposition), while the other is assigned the negative side of the debate (argues against the proposition).

Lincoln-Douglas (LD) Debate involves two individuals debating a proposition of value over a period of approximately 40 minutes. One individual is assigned to the affirmative side (argue for the proposition) and the other individual is assigned to the negative side (argue against the proposition).

Original Oratory is an original piece written presented by the speaker. It may or may not express an opinion.

Extemporaneous (Extemp) Speech involves participants selecting topics based on current United States’ domestic and foreign policy. They are given 30 minutes to prepare a speech for which they have 7 minutes to deliver.

Duo/Humorous/Dramatic Interpretation involves participants interpreting a work of literature (or part of a work of literature) through their presentation. They then deliver their interpretation over a period of five-to-ten minutes.