Speech and Debate
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Speech and debate education is invaluable. On average, students who receive this training score higher on standardized tests (like the ACT, SAT, and state benchmark exams), earn higher grades, and gain admittance into top universities at higher rates than their peers. Forensic education also enhances job opportunities and earning potential after graduation. While all speech and debate education is valuable, NFL participation ensures that students receive the most complete experience in forensics. Honor Society ecognition: Students who join the NFL receive honor society recognition for their growth and development in the forensic arts. Several other activities beyond competition earn points toward higher degrees, including service, non-competitive speaking engagements, and participation in partnership programs. Service and Leadership Opportunities: The NFL partners with other educational organizations to provide unmatched scholarship opportunities for its members that go beyond traditional tournaments. Hundreds of thousands of dollars are awarded to NFL members for their participation in these supplemental opportunities. National Awards: NFL members are eligible to receive a number of national awards, unconnected to competition, including the Academic All- American Award, which recognizes superior achievement in forensics as well as scholarship, and the National Student of the Year Award, which recognizes the student who best embodies the tenets of the NFL Code of Honor. About The National Forensics League The National Forensic League (NFL) is a non-partisan, not for profit educational honor society established to encourage and motivate high school students to participate in and become proficient in the forensic arts: debate, public speaking, and interpretation. NFL is the nation’s oldest and largest high school speech and debate honor society. Since 1925 the NFL has enrolled over 1.3 million students in fulfillment of its motto, “training youth for leadership.” Many of these members have risen to the pinnacle of their respective fields, including former Vice President Hubert Humphrey; Senators Richard Lugar, Russ Feingold and William Frist; media visionaries Ted Turner and Oprah Winfrey; Emmy award winners Kelsey Grammer and Shelly Long; news anchor Jane Pauley; C-SPAN founder Brian Lamb; Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer; and actors Brad Pitt, Zac Efron, Michael Urie, and James Dean. NFL EVENTS The NFL sanctions competition in a number of competitive debate and speech events: Student Congress Research and write Congressional legislation, then debate using parliamentary procedure. Lincoln/Douglas Debate Argue propositions of value in a one-on-one format. Policy Debate Debate a policy proposition in a team format. Public Forum Debate Debate controversial issues that are “ripped” from the newspaper headlines in a team format. Extemporaneous Speaking Speak on a selected topic using 30 minutes to prepare by synthesizing published sources. This event is separated into domestic and international topic divisions. Original Oratory Research and speak on a topic of your choice. Dramatic Interpretation Perform a memorized, dramatic selection from printed published materials. Humorous Interpretation Perform a memorized, humorous selection from printed published materials. Duo Interpretation Present either a humorous or dramatic performance derived from printed published materials (with a partner). Students at San Ramon Valley also have the opportunity to participate in SIX other California state events including Original Prose and Poetry, Expository Speaking, Thematic Interpretation, Impromptu, Parliamentary Debate and Original Advocacy! Would you like to be a member of a national organization respected by colleges nationwide? Are you ready to grow as a thinker, a speaker, and an advocate? Do you want to leave a lasting impact on your community and world? You can. Contact Ms. Willford at jwillford@srvhs.org |
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