Speech and Debate, as an extracurricular activity, is far more than just a forum for eloquent expression. It is a structured platform that fosters the development of essential life skills, cultivates critical thinking, and prepares individuals to excel in various facets of life.
Participating in Speech and Debate allows individuals to become proficient communicators. Whether they are delivering a persuasive speech, engaging in a formal debate, or presenting an impromptu argument, students learn how to articulate their thoughts clearly and persuasively. These skills prove invaluable in personal and professional settings from job interviews to everyday conversations.
“For years now, oral communication has topped the list of skills that employers are seeking,” said Chris Lowery, the Speech and Debate coach at Chesterton High School (CHS). “Joining it among the top five on most lists are critical thinking, working within a group setting, leadership, and problem-solving — Speech and Debate is at the nexus of these skill sets. Although classroom teachers integrate as much feedback and creativity into their classrooms as they can, they are limited by the size of their classes and the constraints of the curriculum. Speech and Debate, on the other hand, involves constant active learning.”
To construct compelling arguments and persuasive speeches, debaters must conduct in-depth research and evaluate sources for credibility. These research and information literacy skills are transferable to academic work and help individuals become discerning consumers of information in an era of overwhelming data.
“Students develop a sense of confidence in their knowledge base on a variety of topics as well as in confidence in discussing and solving problems,” said Heidi Marek, the Speech and Debate director at Crown Point High School (CPHS). “These are required to think critically and learn about multiple perspectives on many different topics. In Speech, students come into contact with different sources of media and literature and are able to weigh and knit different narratives together to create a new story or journey for their audience.”
In a lot of senses, speech and debate often involve arguing for positions one may not personally support. This helps individuals develop empathy and learn how to advocate effectively. Learning to see different perspectives fosters a broader understanding of complex issues and encourages open dialogue. Within these complex issues, there are some things you need to consider as some skills you need to adopt in Speech and Debate.
The most obvious skill honed is public speaking. Participants learn to project their voices, maintain eye contact, and use effective body language, making them powerful and persuasive communicators. Debaters also learn how to construct and deconstruct arguments. They understand the principles of reasoning and how to present evidence and counter arguments effectively. Along with developing that evidence, debaters need to balance the demands of research, practice, and tournaments in Speech and Debate, which teaches valuable time management skills.
Debaters often face unexpected challenges, such as opponents with unanticipated arguments. This forces them to adapt quickly and think on their feet, an invaluable skill in many aspects of life. Speech and Debate includes various forms of competition, some of which involve teams. Learning to collaborate with others and rely on a team to succeed fosters teamwork and cooperation skills.
“We always start with the phrase ‘you must first be prepared for the loss, not the win,’” Marek said. “We are a smaller team, so the students are working with each other interdependently. Debate can become very intense, so we make sure everyone understands what is expected of them. Our varsity members are there to support the newer students. It is their team; if they don't support each other, we won't have a team.”
A strong foundation in research is crucial for success in Speech and Debate. This involves a thorough investigation of credible sources, data collection, and a deep understanding of the chosen topic. With this knowledge, participants construct persuasive arguments, anticipate counterarguments, and build strong defenses to fortify their positions. Achieving excellence in Speech and Debate requires relentless practice, including rehearsing speeches, refining delivery, and engaging in practice debates to sharpen skills. This commitment to honing abilities is key to success.
“Content knowledge and repetition tend to work best,” said Lowery. “Students always want to continue the process of researching (debate) or rewriting (speech), hoping to find the perfect argument/word. Getting the students to get up and perform in front of a mirror, a small audience, or their parents is the key to unlocking their full potential.”
Within this, Speech and Debate are transformative extracurricular activities that foster critical thinking, effective communication, and a wide range of essential life skills. These pursuits prepare participants to excel in various personal and professional endeavors, aligning with the skills most sought after by employers. Through research, persuasive argumentation, empathy, and adaptability, Speech and Debate participants become proficient communicators, adept at navigating the information age, and equipped with valuable tools for success in the modern world.