Choosing Your Path
Welcome to the world of Speech and Debate — where your voice, your ideas, and your performance come to life.
Think of this activity like joining a track team. On a track team, no one runs every event — some students sprint, some throw, some jump, and some run distance. The same goes for our team. We have three different “event lanes” you can explore — and you’ll find the one that fits you best.
Each path lets you shine in different ways. Pick one, try it out, and grow from there. To compete, each student must have a minimum of two things prepared.
Speech
If you enjoy sharing big ideas, researching cool topics, OR thinking fast under pressure...this is your track.
Original Oratory
ORIGINAL ORATORY
Write a 10-minute persuasive speech about a truth or lesson you believe the world needs to hear. It’s part research, part storytelling, and all heart.
Inform
INFORMATIVE
Teach your audience something surprising in 10 minutes. Use research and even visual aids to explain a unique concept, trend, or invention.
US Extemp
US EXTEMP
In 30 minutes, research and prepare a 7-minute speech on a domestic issue. You’ll answer a current-events question and support it with real evidence...from memory
Foreign Extemp
FOREIGN EXTEMP
Like U.S. Extemp, but focused on global issues such as international relations, foreign policy, and world events.
Interp
If you love acting, dramatic storytelling, or making people laugh... this path is for you.
Humorous Interp
HUMOROUS INTERP
A 10-minute solo performance of a published comedy. You’ll play multiple characters using just your body and voice — no props, no costumes.
Dramatic
Interp
DRAMATIC INTERP
A serious, emotional 10-minute solo performance from a published script. Ideal for actors who want to move the audience with real depth.
DUO
Interp
DUO INTERP
Two performers act out a 10-minute script together — comedic or dramatic. You can't look at or touch each other, so blocking and chemistry are key.
Program Interp
PROGRAM INTERP
A 10-minute binder performance that weaves together poetry, prose, and drama around a single theme or message.
Prose
PROSE
An 8-minute performance of a narrative piece — either fiction or nonfiction — read from a small binder, but performed with full emotion and storytelling.
Poetry
POETRY
An 8-minute performance of one or more poems read from a binder. You’ll play with language, rhythm, and emotion to bring the piece to life.
Storytelling
STORYTELLING
Retell a folk tale, children’s story, or cultural legend in your own words. It's an 8-minute piece meant to entertain, connect, and spark imagination.
Debate
If you like proving your point, thinking strategically, and digging deep into current issues...this path is your match.
Policy
Debate
POLICY
A 2-on-2 debate about a year-long national policy topic. You’ll present detailed plans, respond to cross-examination, and speak quickly and strategically.
Lincoln Douglas Debate
LINCOLN DOUGLAS
A solo debate focused on values, ethics, and philosophy. If you enjoy deep questions and one-on-one clashes, this is for you.
Public Forum Debate
PUBLIC FORUM
A 2-on-2 debate on a current topic, judged by a general audience. Emphasizes clarity, logic, and persuasive speaking.
Congress
CONGRESS
Simulate the U.S. Congress by debating bills and resolutions in a chamber of students. Great for those who like structured discussion and speaking.