Why Join Speech, Drama & Debate?

1. Get over your fear of public speaking. “Speech and debate has honestly changed my entire life. I was actually mute when I was younger, and speaking out terrified me. And I was told to join speech and debate and I found a place where I could just get 10 minutes for people to listen to my actual voice.” – Kimberly Lu, 2018 Dramatic Interpretation National Champion

Public speaking is a critical skill for any career path, and there’s no better way to get comfortable with it than practice. Speech and debate gives you endless opportunities to practice your public speaking skills and become an effective communicator. 

2. Improve your academic standing. High school speech and debate is uniquely suited to build skills in critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, and civic engagement. These skills are crucial for colleges and future employers, and countless studies have shown the impact of speech and debate education on high school standardized test scores, attendance, college admission rates, and more.  (It can also help you earn college scholarships!)

3. Use your voice to change the world. Whether you’re telling a story through an interpretation event or advocating for an issue in debate, speech and debate gives you the opportunity to stand up and take a stand. Your voice is powerful — use it! 

Source: National Speech & Debate Association

4. Build your confidence. Become more sure of yourself and your ability to express yourself to the world.

5. Be part of a team! Develop valuable teamwork and collaboration skills that you'll use for the rest of your life. Represent your school and community in a positive way while spending time with friends, old and new. Go Eagles!