Speech and Debate

Speech and Debate 15 is a 3-credit course open to students in Grades 10–12. This course equips students with the foundational skills necessary for effective communication, critical thinking, and public speaking. Students will examine and apply the core components of impactful speech, including voice projection, diction, tone, pacing, and articulation.

Through a variety of speaking formats and structured activities, students will progressively build confidence and competence as communicators. Classroom experiences include small-group Socratic seminars, formal debates, and individual presentations, supported by research on diverse social and contemporary issues. Students will learn to evaluate evidence, construct logical arguments, respond thoughtfully to opposing viewpoints, and communicate ideas with clarity and precision.

By the end of the course, students will be able to synthesize complex information, present persuasive arguments, and engage in respectful, informed dialogue—skills essential for academic success and responsible citizenship. Students may choose to continue developing these skills by enrolling in Speech and Debate 25 and 35 in subsequent semesters.