"In this age of communication, there is nothing that prepares you better for work and life, than high school Speech." ~Oprah Winfrey, former State Speech Champion
But why should I join?
you will develop phenomenal skills in research, writing, communication, and teamwork
the time commitment is flexible
you will make new friends, both on our team, and other school's teams
you will have an excellent addition to your college applications
you will have a ton of fun!
These skills will apply to every aspect of your life, even after leaving high school!
Competitive Speech can…
stimulate class conversation
improve reading skills
increase organizational skills
help students state ideas clearly
increase poise
stimulate kids' interest in education
change grades
improve attitudes
build confidence
boost acceptance rate into top tier colleges
"If I could pick one factor in selecting a student who will excel in college and will be admitted into a better college, it would be participation in high school Speech." ~John Sexton, President of New York University
Minh Luong, a professor at Yale University, has studied the role extracurricular activities have played in student success at different stages in people's lives, and he concluded that those lessons learned from high school forensics have played a stronger role student success than any others. Several additional studies conducted over the past decade reached that same conclusion: forensics provides students the skills needed to be successful both in their high school careers, get into higher quality colleges, achieve higher grades there, and then develop into outstanding leaders and managers in their professional lives. These students who competed in forensics throughout their high school careers on average scored higher on standardized tests like the ACT and SAT, had higher high school attendance and graduation rates, and had higher acceptance rates to top tier colleges and universities.
The lessons of effective critical analysis and communication, in particular, have been identified as critical to students' academic success, and the unique approach to these lessons forensics offers prepare students to use them in ways no other activity or course can.
For Parents: Speech and Debate focuses on training your student's reading, writing, speaking, and literacy. It teaches life skills such as critical thinking and evaluation, resolution, and listening to all perspectives in an argument and coming to a resolution of conflict. This prepares them for college, their career, and their future.