Speech and debate changes lives. From building confidence, improving communication, and increasing critical thinking skills to better preparing students for college—speech and debate activities provide life skills vital to a young person’s success in the future. Utilizing these skills inside and outside of the classroom teaches students the value of critical thinking, the ability to clearly articulate thoughts and ideas, to answer questions logically with clarity, and to think on one’s feet. Additionally, students develop interpersonal skills such as conflict resolution, assertiveness, and listening to peers. These important life skills empower youth to become engaged citizens, skilled professionals, and honorable leaders in our society.
Schools that provide speech and debate programs report:
- Increased attendance
- Higher tests scores
- Rise in college acceptance
Parliamentary debate is an extemporaneous, generally policy-oriented form of two-person debate. In each debate, a two-student team represents the government side (or the side affirming the resolution); a second two–student team represents the opposition side (or the side negating the resolution). Students are expected to present arguments supporting their side while refuting arguments of the other team. Each team is given 20 minutes of preparation for a 38 min debate.
Address: 1340 S De Anza Blvd. Suite 204, San Jose, CA 95129
- Basic argumentation
- Rhetorical Techniques
- Topic Analysis
- Major Issues and Current Events
- Judge Adaptation
- Incorporating Evidence
- Philosophical Frameworks
- Speech analysis of famous speakers
- Extemporaneous speaking
- Regular Practice with in depth feedback
- Time: Anytime
Jerry Yang
Captain for Saratoga Parliamentary Debate team for two years.
Responsibilities include:
