Speech / Debate

Advisor:

Anna Lyons

Description:

The HMS Speech and Debate Team practices are on Tuesdays from 3-4:15 pm, from Oct. 10-Feb. 6. We participate in four Triple C Meets each year. Meet locations are A121 (Mrs. Kirwin's room).

Speech is open to students in grades 6 through 8. Students select one of five different categories of speeches: Storytelling, Poetry, Original Oratory, Duo Interpretation, or Oratorical Declamation. As a result of participating on the speech team, students will build confidence, increase eye contact with the audience, and develop a strong voice. The individual challenge of speech is to make the selected piece come to life and to memorize the material prior to the competition.

Debate is open to all students in grades 6 through 8. The challenge of debate is to gather facts that support both the affirmative (pro) and the negative (con) side of a topic statement (resolution). Students must follow a set debate format which includes an opening speech, a cross-examination, a secondary speech, a rebuttal, and a closing. All arguments must be supported with factual information from reputable sources. As a result of participating in Debate, students will learn to distinguish between fact and opinion, will understand the importance of supporting their statements with factual information, and will show an in-depth comprehension of the topic.

Who May Participate:

  • Speech is for Grades 6 through 8.

  • Debate is for Grades 7 and 8 (sixth graders may participate if they have previously demonstrated a high level of success in Speech competitions.)