Overview of Events

I am often asked by parents new to the world of speech and debate for an overview of events commonly offered in speech and debate. While events differ slightly by region, these events are offered in almost all areas.

Public Forum Debate (PF):

Skills Taught: Research, critical thinking, teamwork, and public speaking.

Overview: Students debate current events, enhancing their ability to construct persuasive arguments and consider multiple perspectives.

Notes: This event is done in teams of two. Resolutions to debate rotate monthly.

Lincoln-Douglas Debate (LD):

Skills Taught: Logical reasoning, ethics, and individual argumentation.

Overview: One-on-one debates on moral resolutions teach students to construct well-reasoned arguments and defend their positions with ethical considerations.

Notes: This event is done by individuals. Resolutions to debate rotate bi-monthly.

Extemporaneous Speaking (IX and USX):

Skills Taught: Quick thinking, analysis, and public speaking.

Overview: Crafting coherent and well-structured speeches on current events in a limited time period sharpens students' ability to think on their feet.

Notes: Students may choose to compete in international extemp or US extemp.

Dramatic Interpretation (DI), Humorous Interpretation (HI), Prose, and Poetry:

Skills Taught: Acting, character development, vocal expression, and literary analysis.

Overview: These events allow students to showcase their talent in interpreting and presenting literature. DI and HI focus on dramatic and humorous pieces, while Prose and Poetry emphasize the art of storytelling and emotional expression.

Notes: DI and HI are memorized; prose and poetry are read from small black notebooks available here.

Original Oratory (OO):

Skills Taught: Persuasion, writing, and public speaking.

Overview: Crafting persuasive speeches on personally chosen topics encourages students to express their opinions effectively and eloquently.

Impromptu Speaking (IMP):

Skills Taught: Quick thinking, organization, and public speaking.

Overview: Delivering speeches on the spot in response to prompts develops students' ability to speak confidently and coherently on a variety of topics.

Congressional Debate (CD):

Skills Taught: Legislative knowledge, public speaking, and negotiation.

Overview: Students debate and legislate on proposed bills and resolutions, simulating the U.S. Congress. This event enhances their understanding of parliamentary procedure and government processes.

Policy Debate (CX):

Skills Taught: Research, policy analysis, teamwork, and public speaking.

Overview: Teams engage in in-depth debates on specific policy resolutions, teaching students to research, analyze, and present complex arguments with a focus on policy impact.

Notes: This event is done in teams of 2. Topics are debated for a year.