Class leader: April Owenby

We will practice the basic skills needed to form a complete argument as we look forward to learning and competing in three styles of debate and four categories of speech events:


  1. Team Policy debate

  2. Lincoln-Douglas debate

  3. Parliamentary debate

  4. Limited prep speeches

  5. Platform speeches

  6. Interpretive speeches

  7. Wildcard speeches (Slam Poetry and Storytelling)

At the varsity level, homework will be assigned to be completed outside of practice. Students are expected to research and write their speeches at home. Students are also expected to research their debate topics and write their cases, evidence cards, and briefs at home. Additionally, students wishing to compete in partner events (TP, Parli, and Duo) will need to communicate and work with a partner on their own time. Coaching will be available to help with any outside work needed to prepare for tournaments. We will discuss tournaments much more as the season progresses.

For a copy of the Varsity Debate Syllabus for 2026-2027 click here