Do you like to tell a story, be humorous or read poetry?

Then Interpretation is for you!

You have the chance to take a published piece of drama, literature, poetry, or essay and make it your own. You "cut" the piece to about 10 minutes and you "interpret" it so that the audience goes "WOW".

OR

Do you have a topic you are passionate about? Do you enjoy writing and expressing your opinions?

Then Original Oratory is for you!

You write your own thoughts on a topic of importance. You may use outside sources but only 150 words-so this is all about your thoughts, reasons and ideas. You have up to 10 minutes to make your case.

OR

Are you interested in current events? Does coming up with sound reasons and arguments sound interesting to you?

Then Extemporaneous speaking is for you!

You receive a topic and have 30 minutes to prepare with only the materials you have with you. It requires you to think on your feet, make logical connections and arguments, and prove your point in 7 minutes or less.

OR

Have you ever been in a discussion with someone and wanted to keep talking? Does looking at both sides of an issue seem interesting? How about squashing your opponents' arguments to the ground!

Then Debate is for you!

We have three different types, in the first, Lincoln Douglas, you compete alone and are assigned a topic every couple of months focusing on values and ethics and sound reasoning. Public Forum is a conversational debate, think Politically Incorrect, in which you argue current events. The final type of Debate is Cross Examination, which if you want to work on perfecting your ideas, keep adding more information, become the most knowledgeable person in the world about a topic this partner debate is for you.

What can Speech and Debate do for me?

.  It will help you communicate better with others and in front of others.

.  You have the opportunity to compete at a state and possibly national level.

.  It looks REALLY good on your college applications.

.  Some colleges such as CU and CSU require speech for graduation.

.  You meet really cool, funny, and argumentative people.

.  Easiest way to meet people from other schools.