Speech and Debate Classes

Under the direction of Rosie Watson

Our Class Schedule

Speech: Competitive speech events offer students the opportunity to practice and refine the skills of communication while developing the self-confidence needed to speak in front of an audience. The added element of competition serves to raise the bar, providing the extra incentive students need to give their best, and in so doing reach their full potential. Participation in speech and debate produces articulate, interesting individuals who know how to defend what they believe, students who possess the confidence and precision of language necessary to make a significant impact on their world. One of the greatest benefits of the individual events is that they teach students how to articulate and support their own worldview and opinions. This is not an add on to an already full curriculum schedule, but can become the very heartbeat of the learning experience.  These skills, build confidence in our young people ensuring that they possess the ability to make a powerful impact on the society in which they live.  A wide variety of speech events, commonly referred to as individual events or I. E.'s for short, can be narrowed down to three main categories: the platform speeches, the interpretive events, and the spontaneous or limited-preparation events.

Debate: 

Beyond being exciting and fun, debate provides the avenue for students to develop critical, lifelong communication skills. Debate requires an ability to intellectually understand complex issues, research and gather information on an issue, analytically construct arguments, think clearly and critically, speak persuasively and refine the art of impromptu speaking. These skills build confidence in our young people ensuring that they possess the ability to make a powerful impact on the society in which they live.

Coaches:

Colby Sherman is a home educated senior who has spent his high school years preparing to take his place of influence on the platform. Colby competed in the NCFCA, claiming awards at many levels.  More recently, the Sherman team, have qualified to the National Convention in Public Forum debate.  Last year Colby's audience included the National Association of University Model Schools, where he addressed the damage that ratifying the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child would have in America and the proposed Constitutional Amendment that would protect against it. Currently Colby is communicating with pioneering scientists, physicists and chemists, some of whom have been awarded Nobel Peace Prizes, over the need for civilian nuclear energy in the United States. He hopes to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering.

Kierstyn Sherman is currently a graduating senior. She competed for three years in the NCFCA winning awards locally and regionally and qualifying to the National competition. She is presently involved in the Institute for Cultural Communicators through their Chapter Program where she serves as a student leader. She and her partner Colby competed at the Institute for Cultural Communicators MASTERS conference making it into the top five, qualifying them for the National Convention. She has a passion for Public Speaking and Debate and enjoys helping others develop these valuable life skills. She loves her Jesus, her family and her friends.

Testimonials:

Marshall Sherman 6/2007

Initially, speech and debate came as a substitute for football camp. Which wasn't what I had in mind. My passion, my drive, my zeal, was football. So, when the time for the speech and debate camps rolled around like a big huge snowball on a dreadfully freezing day, I was less than excited. But little did I know, that snowball would suck me in and take me for one of the wildest and most rewarding rides of my life. Because of speech and debate I have had the opportunity to develop and sharpen my communication skills so I can glorify Christ in all that I say. It has opened up doors for me that would not have been opened otherwise. Due to my involvement in competitive forensics, I was accepted to intern with a communications organization, Communicators for Christ. This fall I will be traveling all across the country and teaching others how to communicate the message God has given them in a clear, concise, and engaging manner. I truly do thank God that I got involved, it has forever changed my life!

Alan Carrillo 6/2007

I began my quest in the world of Speech and Debate during a summer camp at Creative Arts in Action in July 2004 and, as a result of being shy for most of my life, I was terrified! However, the last three years of competitive Speech and Debate has completely turned me around. God, through His grace, has enabled me to become more of a bold, passionate, and effective communicator for His glory. I highly recommend this activity for those who love public speaking and especially for those who don't - yet. There's nothing to worry about! The debate fever will catch you sooner or later.