Why Speech & Debate?

Learn more about the benefits of participation in Speech & Debate. Whether you compete for one year or for five, there are numerous benefits to the education you’ll receive through Speech & Debate!

Quick Facts

Academic Performance

Speech and debate teaches students to read, write, speak, and listen effectively. Numerous studies have shown the impact of the activity on test scores and academic outcomes. These benefits include:

  • Higher GPAs.

  • Higher SAT Math and Evidence-based Reading and Writing exam scores.

  • Increased likelihood of meeting the College Board’s benchmarks for college readiness.

  • Admission to top universities.

  • Higher student confidence and self-esteem.

  • Increased engagement in the classroom.

  • Increased likelihood of graduation.

Career Readiness

Speech and debate gives students the skills to excel in whatever profession they choose. From Supreme Court justices and politicians to doctors, lawyers, teachers, and actors, countless alums credit speech and debate as a crucial tool in their toolbox. 

According to a LinkedIn survey of more than 660+ million professionals, the most in-demand soft skills are creativity, persuasion, collaboration, adaptability, and emotional intelligence, all of which are developed through speech and debate. 

  • Creativity: Speech and debate empowers students to make artistic choices about how they bring words to life. 

  • Persuasion: Students learn how to best convince an audience in the face of equally well-informed, persuasive competition.

  • Collaboration: Students work with teammates and coaches to craft stories, create arguments, build upon feedback, and perfect their performances. 

  • Adaptability: Students learn to think on their feet and tailor a performance to a given audience.

  • Emotional Intelligence: Students learn to see both sides of an issue and to use appropriate strategies for questioning things they do not understand.

School

Studies and administrator testimonials also demonstrate school-wide benefits to investing in speech and debate, including:

  • Increased interest in classes. 

  • Increased attendance rates.

  • Higher graduation rates.

  • Decreased negative student behavior.

  • Increased school pride

Further Reading

Notable Alumni

  • Learn more about the notable alumni of the National Speech & Debate Association. Whether working in government, community and social services, entertainment, education, or the business world, many NSDA alumni have risen to the pinnacle of their respective fields. Scroll through this list and see who you might recognize!

Speech & Debate in the News

Student Testimonials

  • “I cannot express enough the value which speech and debate has brought into my life. Through community, competition, and education, debate has played a role in shaping my highschool career through today. It has helped me to regulate my emotions and my expectations while staying ambitious, a difficult tightrope between disillusionment and overconfidence. Most of all, this balancing act has taught me to persevere through difficulties which make me want to stop, whether that be after a particularly tough round, irritating result, or unsuccessful tournament. Losing, I have found out, particularly over the last two years, is an important aspect of competing. Through my failures, embarrassments, and stumbles, I have been taught humility and courage.

    Darin E., Class of 2025

  • “To me, speech and debate represents my voice. It laughed at my prior complacency in global issues, and showed me what I should, and do, care about. It has provided me with infinite learning experiences, and some of my most cherished moments. I would find it very hard to describe myself without mentioning the passion debate has given me. In a way, it has become me.”

    Sophia Liem, Class of 2023

  • “S&D is a continual learning process that has taught me so much about being a leader. One of the most important lessons that I’ve learned this year is taking initiative….Extemp has taught me countless leadership skills, including time management, effective communication, persuasion, perseverance, organization, creativity, spontaneity, and independence.”

    Ayla Z., Class of 2025

  • “Joining Speech & Debate in 10th grade, my first in-person year at this new school, was an amazing experience. I instantly got out of my comfort zone and learned to not be so afraid of public speaking. I can genuinely say that I owe a lot of my confidence in speaking up or in large groups to Speech & Debate and the experiences that pushed me to become more myself. Speech & Debate is a part of me, and I carry everything I learned with me. Speech & Debate is not just an activity for me, it’s a happy place where I’m always growing and having fun. Whether it’s preparing for a tournament in practice rounds, or working on my DI, I attain new skills and enjoy the learning process.”

    Ashna S., Class of 2024

  • Albuquerque Academy’s Speech and Debate team not only provided me with soft skills that are important in career development (such as public speaking, research, and critical thinking), but it also provided me with a community and group of people I could rely on. Some of my closest friends came from our team and we made countless memories together. The long nights and tireless dedication created irreplaceable bonds to my peers. I explored countless topics and fostered my passion for learning. Through Speech and Debate, I gained an unparalleled experience that I would recommend to any and everyone.

    Naima P., Class of 2022

  • "Speech and debate was transformative not only for my presentation and interpersonal communication skills, but also my confidence. Even as I've transitioned into a more mathematical career, I continue to see the values I learned in speech and debate enhance my ability to communicate effectively with others. It taught me that my words have the power to make a positive impact on the world. "

    Brianna Xie, Class of 2021

  • At AA Speech & Debate, I learned a lot about myself and grew a ton. The team taught me effective writing and speaking skills, gave me a chance to travel, and introduced me to a lifelong community of peers and mentors. It gave me confidence in my own voice and creativity – but perhaps most importantly, Speech & Debate helped me realize that although your story matters and it deserves to be heard, you can be impactful without disrespecting your own boundaries."

    Moira Tañedo, Class of 2020