A Hidden Gem Among Enrichment & Extracurriculars: Speech and Debate

When we think of extracurricular activities for our children, options like art, music, sports, and scouting often come to mind. We enroll our kids in these activities because we recognize the benefits that justify the investment of time and money. However, there is one often-overlooked opportunity that could significantly boost your child’s intellectual, social, and emotional growth: speech and debate.

Participation in speech and debate programs is highly valued on college applications, ranking just behind the prestigious Eagle Scout designation. Given its importance, it’s puzzling why this activity isn't more widespread and why many high schools lack such programs.

One major reason is funding. Spectators readily pay for band performances and basketball games, but not for debate tournaments, making it less financially viable. However, this changed in 2020 with the rise of virtual education opportunities. Now, any subject or skill, including speech and debate, is accessible to your child regardless of geographical limitations.

Top 3 Benefits of Speech & Debate

Speech and debate stand out among extracurriculars because they teach enduring skills that are applicable throughout life. Here are three key benefits:

1. Communication Skills

Effective communication is essential in any era. Speech and debate programs help participants develop the ability to articulate compelling arguments and present them clearly. This skill empowers children to express themselves confidently in various personal and professional scenarios.

2. Critical Thinking and Research Skills

Speech and debate foster critical thinking by challenging participants to question information, analyze complex issues, consider multiple viewpoints, and construct well-reasoned arguments. The research component teaches children to gather information from credible sources, a crucial skill in today's information-saturated world.

3. Confidence

Engaging in speech and debate significantly boosts confidence. Public speaking is a common fear, and confronting it early in a supportive environment can be transformative. This newfound confidence can open doors to future career opportunities and personal growth.

Implementing Speech and Debate at Home

Whether you want to introduce debate at home or provide extra practice for an aspiring debater, here are some strategies to encourage speech and debate skills:

Impromptu Speaking

Ask a "would you rather" question and have your child spend two minutes explaining their choice in complete sentences. They can either start immediately or take a few minutes to organize their thoughts. Challenge them further by asking why they didn’t choose the other option. For an added challenge, have them present their answer standing in front of the family, and make sure to applaud their efforts. (Grab a free mini lesson and 52 ‘Would You Rather’ questions here. )

Create a Mini-Debate

Engage with their reasoning by posing questions or offering counterarguments. For example, if they choose a cat over a dog because dogs need walks, counter with the health benefits of walking a dog. Encourage them to respond, perhaps noting that not everyone has a safe place to walk or that walking could be challenging for someone with mobility issues. Continue the back-and-forth as long as possible. (Get a mini-debate outline here.)

Encourage Research and Source Credibility

When your child presents incorrect information, ask them where they got it instead of immediately correcting them. Discuss whether the source is credible. If they mention learning something from YouTube, ask if they would trust a doctor trained solely through YouTube. Encourage them to critically evaluate sources and find credible evidence to support their claims. This not only teaches them to find reliable information but also to persuade skeptical audiences.

Speech and debate may not be as well-known as sports or music lessons, but their impact on a child's development is profound. From honing communication skills and fostering critical thinking to building confidence, the benefits are lifelong.

More Resources

For Grownups: We explore practical tips and strategies to develop communication skills at home in our weekly podcast, Speak Out~ Stand Out.

For Kids: Smash Boom Best is an amazing podcast for kids that teaches the fundamentals of debate using the silliest topics. It's entertaining and educational for all ages and is a great way to pass the time during car rides.

About Us:

Elizabeth Green is the founder of Green Communications and MySpeechandDebateCoach.com. Since 2020, Elizabeth and her team of world-champion debaters have taught more than 10,000 kids with the mission of building confidence in the future, one young voice at a time.

My Speech and Debate Coach provides customized virtual classes, clubs and tutoring to kids in all stages of speech and debate. Whether you are interested in an intro to debate lesson or are vying for a scholarship to debate at an Ivy League school - we can help you accomplish your goals! Inquire about coaching or classes here.