Speech & Debate

The Semester-long Speech and Debate course is an introduction to public speaking and argumentation, designed to enhance students' oral, written, visual, and non-verbal communication skills. The course covers two main units: Introduction to Speech and Introduction to Debate. Students will learn various speech presentation styles, including Humorous, Declamation, Original Oratory, Informative, Impromptu, Poetic, Persuasive, Storytelling, and Dramatic. Additionally, the course teaches several debate styles, such as Congressional, Lincoln-Douglas, Public Forum, Policy Debate, and Extemporaneous. The course adopts a flipped classroom approach where students learn through digital notebooks, videos, video lectures, and web links, with live classes dedicated to speech-making and debating sessions.

The course has a content warning, as speech and debate topics may be potentially controversial, subject to final approval. Students should expect to spend 2-3 hours per week on assignments, including practicing topic skills, learning vocabulary, researching, analyzing documents, and outside readings. Assessments will be based on assignments such as vocabulary and weekly topic quizzes and tests, homework, speeches, debates, projects, and participation. Grades will be available in Canvas, and parents may contact the instructor through Canvas for any inquiries.