Why Speech and Debate?According to a Wall Street Journal study of top-tier college admissions, participation in high school athletics provided no advantage in acceptance at top universities. Participation in activities like band increased acceptance by about 3%. Being debate captain, however, improved an applicant’s chances by more than 60%. In addition, about 90% of high school debaters earn at least one graduate degree.
Students who participate in Speech and Debate will: |
Academic• Advance critical thinking and reasoning skills
• Develop improved study habits and research skills • Develop time allocation and organizational skills • Increase public communication skills • Develop improved study habits and research skills
• Develop time allocation and organizational skills • Learn to speak extemporaneously |
Social• Become familiar with current societal issues
• Learn how to work with others in a team setting • Become more aware of a wider range of people, personalities, and cultures • Learn to make friends with teammates and even competitors • Learn to consider and adapt to different audiences
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Personal• Learn to overcome and calm speaking anxieties
• Learn how to lose gracefully • Learn how accept criticism and be judged on their performance • Learn to be open to both sides of an issue • Learn respect for dissenting opinions
• Develop self-confidence and pride in performance • Develop critical listening skills |
Professional• Receive valuable training for college and future careers
• Learn how to perform on virtually no sleep • Improve college resumes • Learn that appearance is extremely important |