High School debate provides the tools that teach students how to form constructive arguments and deliver persuasive speeches. Speech writing, public speaking, and self-confidence are all positive attributes that college admissions and future workplace employers are looking for.

Speech writing allows debate students the ability to bridge gaps, inform an audience on important current issues, and compel spectators to make a difference. Essentially, speech is a platform that has the ability to create real change. Notable and influential speechwriters were once members of their high school and college debate teams, including John Kennedy’s speechwriter Ted Sorenson and Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Many high school debate team members are considered to be the next leaders of the 21^st century.

Debate builds confidence, enacts in-depth research, creates critical thinkers, and pushes for logical arguments. But in order for a debater to persuasively express her message, she must present her argument in the form of a speech. Speech writing “offers a rare chance for students to impact an audience in lasting, meaningful ways. Through this kind of written and oral communication, they can learn to convey the truth in a world where morals are blurred and virtues are disappearing. Thus, speech writers combine narrative, descriptive, explanatory, and persuasive skills, arranging a composition to make both logical and emotional appeals.”

When presenting an argumentative speech in debate, high school students must come prepared with the absolute truth. Their opponent has also diligently studied the subject at hand and is waiting for her fellow debater to slip up. Debate plays an important role in academics and in life, debaters know that they cannot fabricate or illogically argue their side of an issue. They must come fully prepared with facts and persuasive logic. Thus, speech writing encapsulates all that is true and fair in the world. Prominent speechwriters have the ability to create change because their arguments and pleas are written from a place of trust and honesty.