Program Benefits

Both speech and debate develop habits and skills to communicate effectively, no matter from where the student started.

Through constructive criticism, praise, and practice, the student's confidence in his own thought processes, words and ability to communicate will grow through speech and debate.

Deep friendships will develop with not only the student's speech and debate team, but also with others around the state (and country) whom he will meet at various tournaments.  As the parent, you will also find deeper connection with your student as you help develop critical REASONing skills.

Knowing the difference in being taught how to think instead of what to think is an important skill to develop--especially for the college bound student, but even for the church member, or consumer of news.   Speech and debate offers a relatively comfortable place to develop one's own thoughts, opinions, and beliefs.

Speech and debate will give the student practice in the ability to effectively decipher truth from fiction, fact from opinion, and news from editorials.

Once a student has developed individual opinions, it is necessary to be able to communicate them to an audience as clearly as possible.

Interpretive Speeches

In all interpretive events, competitors write, or select and analyze literature, then bring it to life through the creative use of voice, movement, and facial expression, without the aid of costumes or props.

Duo Interpretation

In Duo Interpretation, two competitors create an original rendition of a story from one or more selection(s) of literature which captivates and moves the audience.

Humorous Interpretation

In Humorous Interpretation, the competitors tell relatable stories using humor as a device to connect with the audience from a single published work. Stand-up comedy, or telling a series of jokes without a corresponding plot, is not Humorous Interpretation.

Open Interpretation

In Open Interpretation, selections may be in the whole range from dramatic to humorous genres, including narrative storytelling, single voice monologues, thematic compilations, or self-written pieces.

Dramatic Interpretation

In Dramatic Interpretation, the competitor, using a play, short story, or other published work, performs a selection with a spotlight on character development and depth which captivates and moves the audience.

Limited Preparation Speeches

Competitors get a limited time to prepare for a speech on a topic that is given to them at the speech event. Preparation before the tournament is described in the event rules.

Apologetics

In Apologetics, the competitor is given four (4) minutes to prepare a persuasive and reasoned speech that defends a tenet of the Christian faith and explains why that principle matters.

Extemporaneous

In Extemporaneous speaking, the competitor answers a given question based on recent events in the news. The competitor researches national and international current events and may create reference files of newsworthy information. Extemporaneous speech should be regarded as a demonstration of personal knowledge on the topic, as well as an original synthesis of numerous sources.

Mars Hill

In Mars Hill, the competitor uses books, movies, and other genres to discuss the appeal and impact of the theme(s) within the topic, holding them up in light of Christian truth found in the Bible. This event is intended for competitors 14 and older or with the consent of the parents due to mature themes in some topics.

Impromptu

The competitor is given two (2) minutes to prepare a speech on a randomly drawn prompt. The goal is to develop a winsome, polished speaker who can present an original, spontaneously prepared speech.

Platform Speeches

A prepared speech, written by the competitor, with the purpose of informing, exposing, or persuading on a topic.

Expository Speaking

An Expository is a prepared speech written by the competitor which explains and illustrates a topic through both words and visuals (e.g. illustrated boards, physical props, digital and electronic presentations, or any combination).

Original Oratory

An Original Oratory is a prepared speech, written by the competitor, on a topic of the competitor’s choice. The purpose of this informative speech is to explain, describe, or expose the topic.

Persuasive

A persuasive speech is a prepared speech, written by the competitor, which advocates a specific position or course of action.

Wild Card Event Speeches

New and unique speech events that are offered on a two-year rotation meant to challenge competitors in their preparation and presentation skills.

Slam Poetry 2024-2026

Slam poetry is a form of performance poetry that combines the elements of interpretation and audience participation. The poem can be original or crafted from one or more sources. The piece demonstrates effective use of poetic devices, which will include figurative language and/or thoughtful vocabulary. The poem which effectively uses rhythm and sound of language will convey an idea and/or a point of view. Capturing and conveying human emotions and experiences may stimulate audience interaction, in that the audience can slam the table (like knocking in Parli). This event will use “OI type” rules and must be memorized.

Value:

Students obtain a wide knowledge and appreciation of poetic language and increase their ability to share with others the full meaning intended by their chosen topic or theme. Poetry interpretation is regarded as recreating the thoughts and emotions of the student-poet in the minds of the audience. With audience participation in mind, the student will gain the ability to engage with the audience. This modern twist on ancient writing will renew the appreciation for the complexity and modernity of poetry. Please consider: the league has never had an event focused on poetry; this would be learning a new skill set.

5 minutes

Team Policy Debate (2025-2026)

Resolved: The United States Federal Government should substantially reform its policy toward one or more countries in Central/South America.

The Americas south of the U.S. border continue to exhibit the peril and promise that have been their lot in modern history. As our attention is drawn to countries such as El Salvador and Argentina which seem to be experiencing a renaissance of gifted leadership, to countries like Venezuela and Brazil which seem to be sliding toward the abyss of full-scale totalitarianism, to Panama which is reemerging as an important trading conduit, debaters will have a chance to learn how the US interacts with our southern neighbors. Furthermore, this resolution opens the door to a vast array of possible policy reforms toward these countries, such as how we manage our immigration and border policy, tariffs and trade, military aid, and much more.

Lincoln Douglas Value Debate (2025-2026)

Resolved: In foreign policy, diplomacy is more effective than military intervention. 

[Debate Period: October 1, 2025-December 31, 2025] 

In an ideal world, we could resolve all conflicts peaceably. However, we do not live in an ideal world. Conflicts abound. This resolution asks whether diplomacy or military intervention is more effective. It does not ask which is more desirable but, rather, focuses on effective outcomes. Advocates for diplomacy focus on its cost effectiveness, lack of violence and a desire to preserve human life. Advocates for military intervention argue that certain disputes require immediate action to preserve human life and protect national security. They also argue that soft power is ineffective in the absence of real power.  

Resolved: Incrementalism is superior to radicalism as a means to achieve social change. 

[Debate Period: January 1, 2026-March 9, 2026]

This resolution presents a classic debate between pragmatism and idealism. On one side it could be argued that incrementalism ensures stable, lasting reform that is accepted by a larger portion of the population. On the other hand, the necessity of radical action may be a better approach when injustice is too severe to tolerate. The best arguments depend on historical examples, philosophical perspectives on justice, and the weighing of risks versus rewards in achieving social progress through compromise or a strong principled approach. In this resolution, concepts of effective social change will be explored including ideas like the overton window.

Resolved: Practical skills should be valued over theoretical knowledge.

[Debate Period: March 10, 2026-NITOC 2026] 

Which has more value, the ability to repair a car or the ability to quote Shakespeare? This resolution will weigh the relative value of achieving practical skills and theoretical knowledge. Does everyone need a Bachelor of Arts degree? Or should we encourage more students to attend trade school and gain practical, hands-on experience? In an age where hands-on ability often translates directly into employability and real-world impact, while abstract knowledge forms the foundation of innovation and progress, this resolution challenges students to weigh the tangible against the conceptual. It invites critical thinking about what society truly values, how education systems should be shaped, and what it means to be “prepared” for life beyond the classroom.

Parliamentary Debate (aka Parli)

Resolutions are announced/released prior to the beginning of each round.

Parliamentary debate is an activity in which teams of two students debate one another in an extemporaneous form of debate in which their topic is given just minutes prior to the round. Parliamentary debate asks competitors to develop and defend positions on a wide range of issues that could be fact, value, policy or scenario in nature. Parliamentary debate (aka Parli) not only relies on quick thinking but also on an accumulation of general knowledge on a broad range of subjects.

The purpose of Parliamentary debate is to instill in Christian home school students the skills of presentation, critical thinking, research, and analysis of current events. That endeavor should only be accomplished in an environment of honorable competition that cultivates maturity, wisdom, grace, poise, and brings glory to our Lord Jesus Christ.