Public Speaking

Students in Public Speaking 1 are members of Westlake’s Speech & Debate team. Public Speaking 1 is an introductory course, with an emphasis on learning basic public speaking, speech structure, and the competitive speech activity. Students will spend the year crafting informative and persuasive speeches they write on topics of their choice. Students will also learn Extemporaneous and Impromptu speaking techniques. Students are required to attend at least one tournament per grading cycle which earns an automatic 100 for the final semester exam grade. Students who do not attend the required tournaments will be given a written final semester exam. Additionally, team participation dues will be assessed in order to cover the cost of tournament entry fees, judging fees, hired consult fees, and necessary materials ($300 per semester). Students must also adhere to the WHS Speech & Debate Handbook, which students and parents must sign prior to attending a tournament.