High school debaters unite in their discussions on the argumentative platform
In a time when societal discourse is often fraught with division, the National Speech and Debate Tournament stands as a beacon of informed and respectful debate. This premier event, organised by the National Speech and Debate Association, which has been in existence for a century, provides a platform for students to develop critical skills in research, organization, persuasion, and communication.
Dennis Philbert, a coach from Central High School in Newark, New Jersey, expressed concerns about the scrutiny educators are under, but the tournament offers a unique opportunity to foster rigorous preparation around carefully selected national policy topics. By elevating informed, evidence-based debate over mere opinion or rhetoric, these tournaments serve as a vital educational and civic exercise that models productive disagreement.
The environment promotes active listening, critical thinking, and empathy—skills that are essential to bridge divisions, enhance mutual understanding, and reduce polarization. Participants are encouraged to thoroughly understand diverse perspectives and defend their positions with logic and civility.
One such participant is Macon Smith, a 17-year-old high school junior from Bainbridge High School in Washington state. Macon, who specialises in the Lincoln-Douglas Debate, met Callista Martin, a 16-year-old rising senior from the same school, online this year to scrimmage. Since no teacher has volunteered to be a coach for the debate club at Bainbridge High School, Callista is coaching both her classmates and herself.
Macon's debate topic was on the justness of violent revolution as a response to political oppression. He prepared for the competition for a year, practicing after school and researching his arguments. His coach is Chuck Nicholas, who coaches speech and debate at Bob Jones Academy alongside his wife, Gail Nicholas.
The National Speech and Debate Tournament, held in Des Moines, Iowa, for its 100th anniversary, hosts more than 7,000 middle and high school students. The tournament offers more than two dozen categories for competition, including Original Oratory, Big Questions, and others.
Despite not making the semifinals in the National Speech and Debate Tournament, Callista and Macon's participation underscores the importance of these forums. In a time when societal fragmentation is marked by distrust and disconnection, such forums provide an invaluable opportunity to practice reasoned discourse, demonstrating that disagreement need not be destructive but can be a foundation for learning and cooperation.
The National Speech and Debate Association aims to double its membership in the next five years, reflecting a growing recognition of the value of these skills in fostering informed, respectful, and productive debate. The organisation's mission is to empower young leaders to engage thoughtfully on complex societal issues, bridging divisions and promoting mutual understanding.
Even with political pressures in certain regions, educators like David Yastremski, an English teacher at Ridge High School in New Jersey who has coached teams for about 30 years, continue to dedicate their evenings and weekends to these events, despite little supplemental pay or recognition. Their commitment is a testament to the transformative power of speech and debate in shaping young leaders.
Gagnado Diedhiou, a senior from Eastside High School in Greenville, South Carolina, is a shining example of this. Gagnado, the only Black teenager and the only student wearing a hijab in her division, competed in the Congressional Debate division of the National Speech and Debate Tournament. Her participation underscores the tournament's commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
In conclusion, the National Speech and Debate Tournament serves as a vital platform for young leaders to develop critical skills, engage in thoughtful discourse, and model productive disagreement. It is a testament to the power of education in fostering informed, respectful, and productive debate, bridging divisions, and promoting mutual understanding.
- Educational opportunities like the National Speech and Debate Tournament promote personal growth and learning, as they encourage students to understand diverse perspectives and engage in constructive debate, reducing societal inequality and fostering mutual understanding.
- platform for young leaders to exercise and improve their skills in research, organization, persuasion, and communication, which are essential for self-development and bridging divisions in education and civic life.
- Despite the challenges and scrutiny educators face, such as the lack of resources and recognition, their commitment to empowering students through speech and debate events demonstrates the transformative power of education in fostering informed, respectful, and productive debate, promoting inclusivity and personal growth.
