Why is Speech and Debate Important ? 

Speech and Debate changes lives. From building confidence, improving communication, and increasing critical thinking skills to better preparing students for college, speech and debate activities provide life skills vital to a young person’s success in the future.

What skills will my student gain from Speech and Debate?

Speech and Debate activities focus on the four core zones of literacy: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Utilizing these skills inside and outside of the classroom teaches students the value of critical thinking, the ability to clearly articulate thoughts and ideas, to answer questions logically with clarity, and to think on one’s feet. Additionally, students develop interpersonal skills such as conflict resolution, assertiveness, and listening to peers. These important life skills empower youth to become engaged citizens, skilled professionals, and honorable leaders in our society.

Why should my school offer a Speech and Debate Team or Club?

Schools that provide speech and debate programs report:

• Increased attendance

• Higher tests scores

• Rise in college acceptance

• Unique benefits for at-risk students

• Reduced drop-out rates

Speech and Debate prepares students for college, a career and their future.

Is there a connection between Speech & Debate and strong academics?

Students involved in Speech and Debate are better prepared for English, social sciences and AP classes. Due to their relationship with language, experience composing and deconstructing arguments, and practice researching and gathering evidence, these students really excel.

What does a Speech event look like?

Speech events are not in front of a large group as depicted in movies. Speech events usually involve a presentation by one, two, or sometimes a group of students that is judged against a similar type of presentation by others in a round of competition. Speech events range from limited preparation events that require extensive knowledge of current events to dramatic and humorous interpretation, which challenge students to find powerful moments in literature and recreate them for an audience.

What does a Debate event look like?

Debate involves an individual or a team of Debaters working to effectively convince a judge that their side of a resolution is, as a general principle, more valid. Like speech, these events are in small numbers of people in a room. Students in debate come to thoroughly understand both sides of the resolution, having researched each extensively, and learn to think critically about every argument that could be made on each side.

Is Speech and Debate good for college?

First, Speech and Debate improves academic performance in writing, literacy, communication and critical thinking skills gained through competition and practice. Colleges know this. Second, Speech and Debate One of the most respected extracurricular activities by colleges and employers as it suggests a student has command of their language and possesses leadership and professional conduct under stressful situations.

My school does not have a team, how do we get started?

First, contact the CVFL leadership and they will help you with this process (click here to email CVFL). Second talk to your school’s administration as most schools require a faculty advisor and student permission slips in order to compete as a team. We look forward to hearing from you.

What are the Speech and Debate events can I PARTICIPATE in within CVFL?

There are 12 types of Speech events (impromptu, original oratory and scripted ) and six types of Debate events. There is an event for those who love to argue, those you want to present something informative (think Ted Talks) an event for the funny, dramatic and even partners who want to use each other’s talent to grow their skills. For a complete list click on this link!