Mission:

• "The National Speech & Debate Association connects, supports, and inspires a diverse community committed to empowering students through competitive speech and debate" (NSDA).

Vision:

• "We envision a world in which every student has access to membership in the National Speech & Debate Association, providing the educational resources, competitive opportunities, and expertise necessary to foster their communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creative skills" (NSDA).

Core Values

Integrity Inclusion Leadership Service

What is public forum debate?

According to the NCFL...

"Public Forum Debate is a team event that advocates or rejects a position posed by the resolution. The focus of the debate is a clash of ideas in a persuasive manner that can be understood by a [member of the public community]. Good debaters should display logic and analysis. They should use evidence when needed. They should win their case and refute that of their opponents. They should communicate effectively, using the fundamentals of good speaking. There are no burdens on either side." - NCFL

In short, debate gives students the chance to build an argument for both sides of a national or global issue and present that argument in an open / public setting.

How do debate competitions work?

Watch this short video to understand the mechanics of a debate competition:

Why should I get involved in debate?

There are many reasons why YOU should get involved in debate! First, debate helps you strengthen your speaking and listening skills, both of which will be vital aspects to any job you will get in the future. Second, your writing will be improved! Writing persuasive / argumentative material is sure to help you in your English class! In addition, debate helps you to be able to understand key world issues and helps you form your own opinions / worldview. And last, it's fun! By spending time with the people in debate, you will begin to feel part of a family. Sometimes Mrs. M brings pizza and snacks, too...

How often does debate meet? Will it take up my entire life?

There are mandatory once a month meetings and other optional meetings for receiving help, having access to a computer for research, and practicing with peers. In short, you will be able to be involved in other clubs / activities and still thrive in debate.

What if I don't have a partner yet?

Recruit your friends! In all honesty, you will debate better with someone you can communicate well with and know well. However, if you need help finding a debate partner, come to the interest meeting, and you will be paired up with someone there!

Will there be tryouts?

In the past, we have not had tryouts due to the low number of student participation. The GHS Debate Team does not have a "win at all cost" mindset and believes anyone can benefit from learning how to debate--even if they don't "win." However, judges are something to consider. If we are not able to recruit enough judges for a competition, space may be limited.

What if I don't know anything about debate?

No problem! Many of our seasoned debaters started out the same way! By being involved in the Debate Team, you will have a chance to learn how a public form debate works, gain knowledge from peers on how to debate, and practice your debate skills in a hands-on way. Also, Mrs. MacTurk didn't know anything about debate before she started coaching--we all have to start somewhere!

Will I have to debate every month?

How many times a year your team debates is completely up to you! Some teams debate every month, while others debate less due to heavy class loads or other responsibilities.

Are my parents able to be involved or watch me debate?

Unfortunately, most debates are not set up for people to watch. However, please encourage your parents to sign up here to help judge debates [any other school than GHS]. For the last debate in finals, spectators are allowed.

Will I be able to debate solo?

• The coaches met this year and made a decision regarding solo debaters. They resolved to enact the following rules this year:

  • For a debate to be scorable, it must be 2 vs. 2. No student may enter competition as a solo debater.

  • One time over the course of a season, a pair may have a substitute debater.

  • In case of emergency, the substitute may come from one of the other pairs in competition. (Suppose I am a debater for GB01 and my partner goes home sick on debate day. If I am assigned debates in rounds 1 and 2, I can get another GB debater who happens to be free round 1 to be my partner for that round. I can get another GB debater who happens to be free round 2 to be my partner for that round.)

  • A student who arrives "solo" and is unable to secure a partner for any given round is welcome to debate for practice, but the win will automatically be awarded to the team with two debaters. (The pair will get credit for attending the meet, but cannot be awarded a win without two debaters present.)

  • The coaches acknowledge the imperfections associated with this new system - but we felt it was the best possible improvement upon the status quo. It is nearly impossible for judges to score a 2 vs. 1 debate fairly - but we want to ensure that students who prepare for any given meet get the opportunity to debate.