What is Speech and Debate?

Welcome to Lincoln Speech and Debate!

Speech and Debate is one of the most exciting activities at Lincoln, and anyone can join. No experience is needed — just curiosity, creativity, or a desire to try something new. Students build skills in public speaking, critical thinking, research, argumentation, and even performance, all while having fun, making friends, and competing in tournaments across Oregon and beyond.

About the Team

Students participate in a wide variety of events that challenge them academically and creatively. Practices are held twice a week after school, and the team attends at least seven weekend tournaments throughout the year. From September through April, Lincoln students stay active with regular practices and competitions, sharpening skills that will serve them in school and in life.

Top performing students and teams have the opportunity to compete at major out-of-state tournaments. In 2026, several of our teams will travel to the prestigious Harvard Tournament in February. The National Speech and Debate Association National Championships take place in June, giving students a chance to compete at the highest level.

Lincoln has a long history of success at the local, state, and national levels, including league championships, state titles, and national qualifiers. While we celebrate these accomplishments, the program’s primary goal is to help students develop confidence, critical thinking, and communication skills that will last a lifetime.

Equally important is the welcoming and supportive team culture. Students challenge themselves, support one another, and form lasting friendships. Speech and debate is a perfect way for new students to meet peers with shared interests in politics, literature, drama, comedy, current events, or just the love of learning.

The Student and Parent Agreement outlines expectations and procedures for the season, helping families understand how the team operates, what practices involve, and how tournaments work.

For questions or more information, contact Coach Benjamin Harrison at bharrison@pps.net. We would love to have you join us.