Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Speech event look like?

Speech events are not in front of a large group as depicted in movies. Speech events usually involve a presentation by one or two students that is judged against a similar type of presentation by others in a round of competition. Speech events have three sub-categories: prepared speaking, acting (typically called “interpretation”), and spontaneous speaking.

What does a Debate event look like?

Debate involves an individual or a team of debaters working to effectively convince a judge that their side of a resolution is, as a general principle, more valid. Like speech, these events are in small numbers of people in a room. Students in debate come to thoroughly understand both sides of the resolution, having researched each extensively, and learn to think critically about every argument that could be made on each side.

Is Speech and Debate good for college?

First, Speech and Debate improves academic performance in writing, literacy, communication and critical thinking skills gained through competition and practice. Colleges know this. Second, Speech and Debate is one of the most respected extracurricular activities by colleges and employers as it suggests a student has command of their language and possesses leadership and professional conduct under stressful situations.

My school does not have a team, how do we get started?

Great question! We’ve built a whole page dedicated to answering this question!

What are the Speech and Debate events can I PARTICIPATE in within CVFL?

There are 12 types of speech events and 5 types of debate events. Wow! There are events for those who love to argue, those who want to present something informative (think TED Talks), those gunning for Class Clown and much more.

  • Debate Events: Congress, Lincoln-Douglas, Parliamentary, Policy, Public Forum

  • A-Panel Speech Events: Original Oratory, Informative, Humorous Interpretation, Program Oral Interpretation, Duo Interpretation, Impromptu

  • B-Panel Speech Events: Original Advocacy, Original Prose & Poetry, Declamation, Dramatic Interpretation, National Extemporaneous, International Extemporaneous

  • Other: Big Questions Debate, Worlds Schools Debate (both offered only at NSDA Qualifying Tournaments)

I’m a [parent/student/coach/administrator] and I’m lost. What am I supposed to be doing?

You’re in the right place — read your section below for more information. If something is unclear, feel free to Contact Us.

Parents

Many parents have questions about how and why students should get involved in Speech and Debate. Please visit our Judges Page to learn more about judging at tournaments.

Students

Students must attend or be attached to a participating, dues-paying school within the CVFL in order to compete. Students are expected to represent their school’s in accordance with their own school’s student Code of Conduct. Students can compete in any event that they chose and can compete in more than one event throughout the season.

Coaches

Coaches are the leaders of each team. They can be active teachers or advisors at each school. If you would like to be a coach, please consult your administration on the rules behind how each team is to be governed. If you are looking to start a team, read CHSSA’s resource for new teams (click here)
 

Administration

Each school and school district has their own rules as to how competitive teams work. Administrators need to know that a team exists since principals or other administration are required to sign CHSSA forms which all a team to participate at the state and national level.