Speech and Debate is a club where students have the chance to perform a speech about a topic of interest or debate issues with other students.

“We get to choose if we want to do speech or debate. If you are in debate then you get a partner and you debate about a topic of your choice. If you are in the speech part then you basically just act like you are on the radio and talk about anything you want and then they judge you on your speaking skills,” Radhika Patel, a sophomore in Speech and Debate said.

Members meet every Monday with sponsor Paul Jaycox, language arts teacher, and prepare for competitions.

Competing against schools from as far away as Kansas City, Springfield and Jefferson City, the Speech and Debate Team participates in three tournaments a semester.

“The members of the team get to pick what they want to do and they prepare for it. There is a lot of independent preparation during practices. Most of the preparation is done at home. For the debate events especially they have to do a lot of independent research and then they write their cases kind of like how a lawyer would prepare for a trial,” Jaycox said.

There are many different reasons why members enjoy being in Speech and Debate . Sophomore member Sydney Lintner explains her experience in the club.

“I do oratory for the most part, which is a completely original and memorized 10 minute speech. It’s usually about a topic you’re passionate about and how I can express my own ideas in front of an audience. Debate, on the other hand, is fun because I get to argue with other people in a civilized, intelligent manner.” Lintner said.

There are many different reasons to join  including improving speaking skills, writing skills and gaining more confidence in front of other people.

“This club really gives students a chance to listen to how they say things and improve their voice even on paper,” Jaycox said.

This club runs from October to March and welcomes any student at any time. The club is also willing to work around sport schedules to make sure students have the opportunity to join the club.

If anyone is interested in joining this club and/or has further questions, stop by Room 144 to talk to Jaycox.