WHS Speech & Debate Team
Course Overview
The WHS Speech & Debate courses work to develop students' critical thinking and persuasive speaking skills through in-class instruction and participation on the Speech & Debate competition team. Speech & debate students will learn to research and analyze global issues, express themselves clearly and fluently in any setting, and become leaders in one of Westlake's largest extra-curricular activities.
Beyond the classroom, competing on the Speech & Debate team can be a transformative experience in a student's life. Students learn the importance of teamwork, responsibility, sacrifice, and commitment. In addition to considerably improving a student's resume when applying to colleges, Speech & Debate students excel on standardized tests, attend graduate school at a higher rate, and acquire a university-level mastery of advanced socio-political concepts.
Course List
Each Speech & Debate class is targeted both to improve students' core skills and to prepare students for competitions under the National Speech and Debate Association, Texas Forensics Association, UIL, and more. A student's class selection should be informed by both their subject area and competitive event of interest. New students should navigate to the team website, or contact McCrary for event information.
6th Period - Speech/Oral Interpretation. Class Names: Oral Interpretation (I,II,III), Public Speaking (I), and Independent Study in Speech (Seniors)
7th Period - World Schools Debate/Lincoln-Douglas Debate. Class Names: Debate (I, II, III), and Independent Study in Speech (Seniors)
8th Period - Public Forum Debate. Class Names: Debate I, II, III, and Independent Study in Speech (Seniors)
Course Syllabus
WHS Speech & Debate Syllabus.docx