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Learn the Basics

Speech & Debate


Speaking to an audience takes courage, and we're here to help you face the challenge.

We offer 10 different speech events and two styles of debate to suit different personalities and develop unique skills.

Tournaments will help you rise to new levels with fellow students, parents, and judges there to encourage you at every step.

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Choose Events that Fit You Best

Discover the perfect competitive opportunities to help you lean in to your strengths and develop new skills.

What to Expect

Watch a short video to see what tournaments look like in action. It's a lot of work, but it's also a lot of fun. You'll make friends, have opportunities to encourage others, and learn great skills and life lessons from your experiences.

Find a Club to Help You Prepare

FAQs

Find answers to commonly asked questions about competing in tournaments.

  • How do I prepare for competition independent of a club?

    If circumstances prevent you from participating in local clubs, you are welcome to prepare for competition from the comfort of your own home. NCFCA supports families by offering curriculum, resources, and training.

    Curriculum

    NCFCA offers three sets of curriculum. Each has instructional content, activities, and games to equip students with the skills they need to learn valuable communication skills and compete well. Foundations of Speech and Foundations of Policy Debate each have a Student Text, Student Workbook, and Teacher Manual. The NCFCA Comprehensive Guide to Value Debate has a Competitor’s Handbook, a Coach’s Manual, and a Parent Guide. You can find these in the NCFCA Shop.

    Resources

    Competition rules, guidelines, policies, and tournament preparation information can all be found on our website.

    Training

    Our Online Summer Educational events bring together leaders from across the nation and offer live sessions that include instruction and discussion. Those sessions are archived and available in the NCFCA Shop.

     

Voices from the Stage

testimonials

Hear firsthand from NCFCA competitors about their experiences. Discover how our competitions have shaped their lives and ignited their passions.

  • Impressed Parent

    I was so impressed with the kids presenting that I came back to my wife. I said to her that we are going to do this. Not sure how we're going to do it, but we're going to try to go to every tournament because I'm so impressed with these kids.

    Raul M.

    Parent

  • My Favorite Event!

    I started with Impromptu speaking, and I did not love it. It was difficult for me to effectively manage my time, but I stuck with it. My mom encouraged me to keep going, and I could say confidently by my last year, it was my favorite event.

    Lucy C.

    Student

  • The Power of Feedback

    Students get so much feedback and they learn how to humbly accept it, to appreciate it.

    Melinda S.

    Parent

  • Learn Discernment Through Competitive Debate

    I think debate particularly gives them a tremendous amount of discernment, the ability to weigh arguments, and to make quality value assessments about what they're being told. I love that kids are learning to do real research from real worthy sources.

    Kristi E.

    Alumni Parent and Coach

  • Competition is a Catalyst for Learning

    Competition is such a great catalyst to learn to win graciously, to learn to lose graciously, to manage emotions—such an invaluable part of the process.

    Ghena B.

    Parent and Board Member

Not Ready to Compete? Build Your Foundation First

Before diving into the competitive arena, it’s essential to establish a solid groundwork in speech and debate fundamentals. 

Our comprehensive learning resources are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel. Explore our curriculum, join a club, or enroll in a class to embark on your learning journey. Remember, every champion starts as a beginner. Take the time to build your skills and you’ll be well-prepared to compete and succeed.

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