Our speech program is designed to challenge young people to communicate truth with integrity and grace. Each event offers unique educational opportunities that promote critical thinking, research, literary analysis, and effective delivery.
Limited Preparation Speeches
Speakers draw two topic options in each competition round and have a limited amount of time to prepare a speech on one of the topics.
Apologetics presents a well-reasoned defense and thoughtful application of basic tenets of the Christian faith.
Extemporaneous analyzes news and other sources to prepare an evidence-based speech on a current-events topic.
Impromptu presents a unique and meaningful speech on a topic drawn from abstract words, phrases, quotations, or table topics.
Interpretation Speeches
Speakers explore literature selections to creatively develop and present an original performance.
Biblical Thematic explores three or more literature selections, developing a Biblical theme through Scripture and visual aid(s).
Duo explores a published literature selection and is presented by a team of two competitors.
Open explores a published literature selection and is presented by one competitor.
Original Presents an original literary work or a derivative work.
Platform Speeches
Speakers present an original speech scripted word-for-word in advance.
Digital Presentation informs or persuades the audience, accompanied by digital visual aids.
Informative explains a significant topic.
Persuasive influences the audience to consider a particular point of view or course of action.
Our debate program is designed to challenge young people to communicate truth with integrity and grace. Each style offers unique educational opportunities that promote organizational skills, logical argumentation, respectful refutation, and effective delivery.
Debate Categories
Lincoln-Douglas VALUE DEBATE
One debater affirms the resolution while another opposes or negates it, demonstrating a clash of competing but morally defensible values. This style of debate simulates the famous debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas.
2024 Resolution
Rationalism should be valued above empiricism.
TEAM POLICY DEBATE
A team of two debaters proposes a specific plan to accomplish the goal stated in the resolution while another team of two debaters opposes the plan and/or the resolution. This form of debate simulates argumentation in a legislative body.
2024 Resolution
The United States Federal Government (USFG) should significantly reform its domestic transportation policy implemented by the Department of Transportation (DOT).
MOOT COURT
A team of two debaters presents legal arguments to appeal the decision in a fictional court case while an opposing team of two students responds with legal arguments to defend the fictional decision. This form of debate is designed to simulate oral argument before an appellate court.
