2.  It’s a FUN activity!  It looks great on College Applications.  There’s something for everyone regardless of your abilities and interests. You don’t have to be “good” at public speaking to join.  It will help you get better grades in your classes.  You’ll meet a lot of new friends.  You’ll have the opportunity to travel and visit college campuses.  You’ll develop outstanding public speaking skills, which will help you in your life after high school.

3.  Speech/Debate is generally flexible. You should be able to fit it into your schedule without too much trouble.  The regular season tournaments begin late October and run through February. The State tournaments take place in March, while the National tournaments are in May and June.  You’ll be expected to attend practice twice per week after school beginning in September.  Tournaments take place on Fridays and Saturdays. You can pick which tournaments you want to attend.

4.  It will cost $75 to compete on the team for the 2015-16 school year. With this fee you’ll get a sweatshirt, free entry into the local tournaments you wish to attend, and lifetime membership in the National Speech and Debate Association!

5. *Contact Mr. Mercer at TJHS (Portable 4B). Email: smercer@tahomasd.ussmercer@tahomasd.us *Or contact Mr. Dilmaghani at TSHS (Room 403) Email: kdilmagh@tahomasd.uskdilmagh@tahomasd.us *ICE CREAM SOCIAL!!! (June 9 th @TSHS room 403) *”Like” us on Facebook and check your email for updates about upcoming events, such as summer workshops and practice schedules. *Check out the following slides to see what events look interesting to you…

6. SPEECH EVENTS DEBATE EVENTS  Dramatic Interpretation  Humorous Interpretation  Duo Interpretation  Extemporaneous Speaking  Expository Speaking  Original Oratory  Interpretive Reading  Impromptu Speaking  Lincoln-Douglas Debate  Policy Debate  Public Forum Debate

7.  This is a one person performance of any published work that is dramatic in nature (Short story, novel, play, etc.). No costumes or props are allowed. A Loss for Words Dramatic Interpretation 2010 - YouTube

8.  This is a one person performance of any published work that is humorous in nature (Short story, novel, play, etc.). No costumes or props are allowed. Jack and the Beanstalk Humorous Interpretation 2010 - YouTube

9.  This is a ten minute performance of any published work (short story, novel, play, etc.). No costumes or props are allowed. The partners are not allowed to directly interact with each other. "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" Duo-NCFCA Nats 2010 by Davis-Davis - YouTube

10.  The competitor is given four questions concerning current domestic or international issues. The competitor chooses one of the questions and has 30 minutes to research and prepare a seven minute persuasive speech about that question.  Nebraska State Speech Championships-2011 Extemporaneous – YouTube Nebraska State Speech Championships-2011 Extemporaneous – YouTube

11. An informative eight minute speech with visual aides. Virtually any topic is fair game! Andrew Schalin Expository Finals Runner Up - YouTube

12.  This is a ten minute persuasive speech.  vinay nayak 1st prize original oratory, NFL, KS, MO, 2010 - YouTube vinay nayak 1st prize original oratory, NFL, KS, MO, 2010 - YouTube

13.  This event involves reading selections of poetry and prose centered around a specific theme. Fandoms Interpretive Reading 2010 - YouTube

14.  The competitor is given three topics. S/he must pick one of the topics and complete a speech about it in six minutes.  Chelsea Lim's Impromptu – YouTube Chelsea Lim's Impromptu – YouTube

15.  This is the most common style of debate in the state of Washington and nation wide. It is a one-on-one debate and typically based on philosophy/theory. The resolution changes every two months.  Showcase - Lincoln-Douglas Debate: Speech, Debate: National Speech & Debate Association Showcase - Lincoln-Douglas Debate: Speech, Debate: National Speech & Debate Association  This video provides a great overview concerning the basics of LD Debate.

16.  This is a team debate (two-on-two) centered around proposing a policy (or plan) to a given resolution, which remains the same for the entire season. It is a very fun, but specialized style of debate. Check out this link for more information:  Showcase - Policy Debate: Speech, Debate: National Speech & Debate AssociationShowcase - Policy Debate: Speech, Debate: National Speech & Debate Association  This video provides a great overview of CX (Policy) Debate.

17.  This is the newest form of debate, which involves two person teams debating current issues in a newscast type of format.  Showcase - Public Forum Debate: Speech, Debate: National Speech & Debate Association Showcase - Public Forum Debate: Speech, Debate: National Speech & Debate Association  This video provides a great overview of a Public Forum round.