Fundamentals of Speech & Debate 1

Course Description

Speech & Debate equips students to become confident, articulate communicators who can speak with clarity, think critically, and defend their ideas with confidence and respect. Through engaging speeches, structured debates, and interactive activities, students will develop leadership, persuasion, and communication skills that will serve them in college, careers, ministry, and everyday life. This class is followed by Fundamentals of Speech & Debate 2 in the Spring.

What to Expect

• Develop confidence in public speaking and presentation skills
• Learn the fundamentals of debate, logic, and persuasive communication
• Organize and deliver speeches with clarity and purpose
• Research topics and build well-supported arguments
• Practice respectful discussion, rebuttals, and active listening
• Strengthen leadership, critical thinking, and communication through speeches and classroom debates

Students Will Develop Skills In:

• Public speaking
• Debate and argumentation
• Critical thinking
• Research and organization
• Persuasive writing
• Leadership and communication