Speech and Debate
Sage Ridge School Forensics focuses on effective public speaking skills through the rubric of competitive Speech & Debate. Specifically, students research a variety of issues relating to pertinent topics offered by the National Forensics League in preparation for competition in tournaments.
Tournament participation is mandatory for inclusion on the team, as this is the arena in which students will develop their skills through multiple rounds of speeches and debates over the course of the season.
A variety of events are offered to display the wide array of skills each participant possesses. Impromptu, Extemporaneous Speaking, Dramatic Interpretation, and Original Oratory are some examples of the types of events that students will have an opportunity to compete in.
In addition, Policy Debate, Lincoln/Douglas Debate, and Congressional Debate are events that will hone the speaking skills, critical thinking, and research abilities of those who are in the class.
Each local tournament offers at least eight hours of speaking time to each student, and in the event that participants successfully make it into elimination rounds, an additional three hours will be available to students. Traveling tournaments consist of between six and eight preliminary rounds and up to six elimination rounds.