Getting Started

Why Consider Speech and Debate Training?

Home schooling families have found that participation in speech and debate clubs, and formal
competition, are great ways to motivate our students to pursue excellence in their communication skills. At tournaments, students can compete in different types of speech events. Platform speeches are original works written by the students. Limited Preparation speeches are for students who like to speak “off-the-cuff”. Interpretive speeches feature speaking and acting elements that bring pieces of published literature to life. Because a variety of speech styles are offered, students can hone their natural skills, or challenge themselves to try new things. There is something for everyone!

Debate students compete in either Team Policy Debate or Lincoln-Douglas Values Debate. Team Policy Debate competition features two-person teams debating a government policy issue. Lincoln-Douglas Values Debate is a one-on-one style focusing on the importance and priorities of personal and public values.

One great way to learn more is to come to one of our area tournaments and watch student speeches and debates. For details see a list of our upcoming tournaments.

Students in Washington can choose to participate in two national leagues, NCFCA and Stoa. Both leagues are dedicated to providing positive competitive experiences with a commitment to a Christian worldview. The leagues sanction local and national invitational tournaments to provide for competition opportunities at all skill levels.

Skills Gained from Speech and Debate

  • Critical Thinking
    Students learn to listen with discernment and develop skills that help them interpret both spoken and written forms of communication. Limited preparation and debate events help students learn to “think on their feet” and respond to questions quickly and knowledgeably.
  • Speaking Skills
    Speech and Debate training helps students develop a comfortable, natural speaking style that gives them the confidence and ability to communicate their ideas clearly in a way that is interesting for any audience.
  • Writing and Research Skills
    Whether students write original speeches or adapt pieces of literature to make them usable for interpretive events, they will gain experience and skill in writing and editing. Many “reluctant” writers and researchers rapidly improve the quantity and quality of their work in the process of preparing debate research briefs and cases.

Are you Eligible?

Each league establishes its own eligibility rules and you should consult their web sites for detailed information. (see Affiliate below) In general, both NCFCA and Stoa provide official competition opportunities for independent home schooling students aged 12 through 18 who have not yet completed High School. Some Washington tournaments also offer unofficial competitions for younger siblings.

How do I start?

1. Find a Club
There are speech and debate clubs located throughout Washington, with more forming every year. You can find contact information on our Clubs page.

2. Get in Contact
While the area covered by clubs is expanding rapidly, you may not live close enough to participate in one of the existing clubs. Contact your nearest club leader anyway. They will be happy to answer your questions and provide suggested resources to help you. If you are interested in helping to start a club in your area, we want to help! Please contact us at PSSDA and let us know how we can assist you.

3. Affiliate
Families must affiliate with one or both of the leagues in order to participate in sanctioned tournaments. The league web sites offer a wealth of information regarding specific eligibility rules, speech types, debate resources and competition rules. See the web sites ncfca.org, stoausa.org for more information.