When are practice times?

We practice from 5:00pm – 8:00pm on Mondays and Wednesdays.

6 hours sounds like a lot...

It’s probably not enough. This does take some time and effort to be successful. Some schools offer Speech and Debate as a class, we are not that fortunate. So, just like any sport, musical instrument or skill; you NEED to practice, practice, practice.

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When are practice times?

We practice from 5:00pm – 8:00pm on Mondays and Wednesdays.

6 hours sounds like a lot.

It’s probably not enough. This does take some time and effort to be successful. Some schools offer Speech and Debate as a class, we are not that fortunate. So, just like any sport, musical instrument or skill; practice, practice, practice. Students should set aside a little time each day to work on their pieces, cases, speeches, whatever. That time can make the difference as far as competition goes. The more effort your student puts in, the likelier they will be to find success.

We know that the schedule can be pretty rough, and that we’re asking for a great deal of time. We appreciate your support in helping your students attend practices and tournaments. We really believe that the benefits that can be derived from participation in this activity are extraordinary, and that every minute spent doing this activity is well worth the effort. Please encourage your student to work on their speech and debate pieces or cases at home. The results of their effort will pay off enormously.

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What are the benefits of doing Speech and Debate?

Each year we watch shy freshmen, who barely say two words to anybody join up on the team.

Each year we graduate a group of powerful, dynamic, and engaged students, who were the quiet freshmen of four years ago.

The transformation from this activity is very real, and very very powerful. Students get training in reading, writing, research, performance, poise, charisma, critical thinking, and rhetoric that goes far beyond what they get in school.

Students also become members of the National Speech and Debate Association, and the National Forensic League. This organization is one of only three honors societies that are able to add seals to diplomas, and it boasts a membership that includes politicians, actors, celebrities, journalists, professors, jurists, and a wide variety of powerful and influential people. Participation in speech and debate is enormously valuable for college admissions offices, and the skills we develop enable students to be successful in college, and in the “real” world.

We wouldn’t spend so many of our free hours on this thing if we didn’t consider it to be the most important thing that high school kids can do with their time. We are able to go beyond the curriculum, and put these skills into practice in ways that are fun, engaging, and educational.

There is also an important social aspect to speech and debate. Students make life-long friendships and connections through this activity. For some, the activity is a place where they find people who don’t make them feel like they’re weird. For others, it’s a place where they can spar with people who challenge them intellectually. For nearly everybody, it’s a place where they can find “their people.” The activity brings together all different kinds of folks from all different kinds of backgrounds, which is of enormous educational, social, and personal benefit.

We’re excited to make this opportunity available at McClintock High School, and we hope to have your support as we try to help your student get access to all of the benefits this activity offers.

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