The John Carroll Speech & Debate

Participating in Speech & Debate gives students an improved perspective on the world around them. Students learn about important issues in politics, public policy and philosophy, and gain a better appreciation for the diverse perspectives that make up the public sphere. Students create factual/logical, ethical and emotional arguments to persuade others in the club that their "side" is correct using a formal debate format. Speech and Debate activities are challenging, competitive in nature, and require regular practice, coaching, dedication and hard work.

By engaging in fun, silly mini-competitions during club meetings and working collaboratively to prepare for official competitions in theatrical speech and competitive debate, involving careful examination of competition rules and tasks as well as rhetorical analysis of previous winners, club members will feel empowered to embark on any public speaking opportunities in their future: in high school, college, and in their careers.

Club Members should take careful note that there are monthly competitions off-campus starting in September. Students should expect to arrange transportation to those competitions. Information will be forthcoming about what days of the week to expect competitions as well as run-time. For reference, in the 2022-2023 school year, competitions were routinely 1 Saturday per month, which competitions ongoing throughout the day from 8 AM (registration) to 4 PM (last round closing) or optional 5 PM (awards ceremony).

With that said, CLUB MEMBERS **ARE** ALLOWED TO BE ACTIVE IN THE CLUB WITHOUT EVER/ALWAYS COMPETING IN THE OFFICIAL CONFERENCE. Students can opt in or out of official competitions, so long as enough notice is given (2 weeks prior to competition). A student cannot skip more than 2 competitions if they wish to remain eligible for the county Quarterfinals, state Semifinals, and national Championship in the Spring.