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Participation in Competitive Speech and Debate
The speech and debate season in Minnesota begins in late fall and wraps up
with a state tournament in March. Students must be 12 years of age by January
1 of the current school year in order to participate in speech and debate
tournaments. Some competitions accommodate younger speakers. The cost to
participate in each tournament varies, generally $15-25 per participant
or team.
Competitive Speech
Participation in competitive speech allows students to practice and
improve basic, foundational communication skills important to being
understood; extended participation (more than one season) in
competitive speech allows students to build on these skills as they compete
in progressively more demanding categories.
Each season a variety of speech events are offered in the following three categories:
- Interpretation
- Limited Preparation
- Platform
Check back mid-summer for an updated listing of events for the 2010-2011 speech season.
"Preparing for Competitive Speech"
“When Should I Start Teaching Speaking Skills to My Child" (The Paper MACHE, October/November 2008)
Debate
Debate builds on skills learned in public speaking, but does not
require public speaking experience for students to participate. With
practice and commitment, students can become proficient at respectfully and
clearly supporting their positions in debate rounds and in everyday life.
Documenting high school credit for subjects studied while participating
in debate activities is discussed in several debate resources. (See
Resources)
Minnesotans participate in Lincoln Douglas (Values) Debate and Team Policy Debate.
Check back mid-summer for the 2010-2011 Lincoln Douglas and Team Policy
resolutions.
Team Policy and Lincoln Douglas Debate
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