Benefits of speech and debate
"Speech and debate changes lives. From building confidence, improving communication, and increasing critical thinking skills to better preparing students for college—speech and debate activities provide life skills vital to a young person’s success in the future.
Speech and debate activities focus on the four core zones of literacy: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Utilizing these skills inside and outside of the classroom teaches students the value of critical thinking, the ability to clearly articulate thoughts and ideas, to answer questions logically with clarity, and to think on one's feet. Additionally, students develop interpersonal skills such as conflict resolution, assertiveness, and listening to peers. These important life skills empower youth to become engaged citizens, skilled professionals, and honorable leaders in our society."
-NSDA Website
Speech and debate activities focus on the four core zones of literacy: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Utilizing these skills inside and outside of the classroom teaches students the value of critical thinking, the ability to clearly articulate thoughts and ideas, to answer questions logically with clarity, and to think on one's feet. Additionally, students develop interpersonal skills such as conflict resolution, assertiveness, and listening to peers. These important life skills empower youth to become engaged citizens, skilled professionals, and honorable leaders in our society."
-NSDA Website
Links to Research
- An Investigation into the Relationship Between Participation in Competitive Forensics and Standardized
Test Scores
Tammie Peters' research affirms the connection between forensics participation and quantifiable gains in writing and literacy. Published in the October 2009 issue of Rostrum. - Pedagogical and Scholastic Arguments for Forensics
This five-page document summaries key pedagogical and scholastic impacts of forensics and provides a list of standards in four key areas (English/Language Arts, Social Studies, Information Technology, Communication, and Science) which participation in forensics meets. - Enriching Education
This pamphlet summarizes the cognitive and academic benefits of forensics, arguing that speech and debate is critical to a well-rounded educational experience. - Assigned Advocacy, Argumentation, and Debate in High School Classrooms
This article provides quantitative research which suggests that argumentation and debate in the classroom leads to gains in engagement and participation, skill development, content knowledge, and academic performance. - Forensics and College Admissions
In this article, Yale University professor Minh A. Luong presents data which support the importance of forensics in the
college admission and scholarship awarding processes. - In Defense of Competitive Speech
This essay champions forensics by explaining the significance of communication skills in a democratic society. It also makes a strong argument for the financial support of forensics and likens them to competitive sports. - The Power of Forensics - VIDEO - Oprah Winfrey and others explain the benefits of competitive speech & debate programs.
- Giving Youth a Voice: The National Forensic League
This full-color document explains the mission/vision of the NFL, key benefits of forensics, services to members and coaches, and how to join the League. It provides an excellent introduction to NFL and forensics. - Find Your Voice
This student recruitment tool introduces the NFL by providing a brief overview of history, services, events, and awards. - You Don’t Have to Win Nationals
This article talks about the significance of forensics to students, regardless of their level of competitive success. Cognitive, academic, professional, and social benefits are all discussed. - Your School Doesn’t Have to Win Nationals
This piece talks about the importance of forensics from a pedagogical perspective. Gains in test scores, content retention, and graduation/college admission rates are presented. - A Better Investment Not Found on Wall Street
This compelling testimonial from former debater Jonathan Carr explains how forensics taught him discipline and organization, writing and speaking skills, how to think theoretically, and how to deal with adversity. Carr went on to become a Fulbright Scholar at the London School of Economics. - Powerful Preparation in the NJFL
This article focuses on the positive impacts of forensics on middle level students. It was originally published in the March 2009 NJFL newsletter.