Speech and Debate

Course Overview

Speech and Debate is a year-long elective that will give students an introduction to a variety of public speaking and formal debate styles, with a focus on Public Forum, Big Questions, and Congress formats. Throughout the course, students will become familiar with these styles through instruction, research, observation, and lots and lots of practice. Special emphasis will be placed on critical thinking and listening skills as well as argument resolution, making this course an excellent companion to their other core courses. Course objectives include: generating strong cases by utilizing effective research techniques, organizing data into persuasive speeches, and anticipating opposing arguments; identifying and emulating strong argumentative and rhetorical techniques while simultaneously avoiding fallacies and other unethical debate practices; utilizing active listening and note-taking skills during debates in order to modify and strengthen a position; developing strong public speaking skills by delivering both planned and impromptu speeches; and improving interpersonal skills by collaborating with teammates on research and case development. While students will largely explore elements of debate in a non-competitive environment during our live sessions, they may choose to participate in both local and virtual competitions as representatives of DAO.