Why Try Speech and Debate?

Speech and Debate teaches students vital skills like critical thinking, persuasive speaking, and efficient researching. Colleges have been very clear: participating and excelling in speech and debate during high school is one of the best things a student can do to differentiate themselves in the admissions process. In fact, many colleges go so far as to offer generous scholarships to former debaters. In a time when communication and public speaking are more important than ever for employers and for future success, speech and debate is a perfect training ground for students. Investing in a speech and debate education is arguably the best thing families can do to ensure their children's future success. Our students are amongst the brightest of the bright, and their time with us helps them gain valuable skills that they can leverage in the professional world to become movers and shakers in a broad range of professions.

87%

increase in analytical skills, according to NSDA

18%

higher reading test scores compared to honors students, on average. [1]

3.75 GPA

is the average of students on a debate team. [2]

22%

higher chance of being accepted into a college, on average. [3]

25%

of debaters are either top ranking corporate executives or work in the executive and legislative branches of government. [4]

90%

of debaters complete at least one graduate degree, according to NSDA

Debate enhances personal growth

Communication skills

Debate improves one's ability to articulate ideas and produce a sharp, well-planned argument on any topic.

Critical thinking

Debate allows you to make smarter and quicker decisions. It challenges you to think outside the box.

Teamwork

Collaboration isn't dull when you're debating. Instead, it's a lot of fun, because you have your team for support

Higher confidence

Debate teaches you maintain your composure and poise, allowing you to earn respect from your audience.

Communication skills

Debate improves one's ability to articulate ideas and produce a sharp, well-planned argument on any topic.

Critical thinking

Debate allows you to make smarter and quicker decisions. It challenges you to think outside the box.

Teamwork

Collaboration isn't dull when you're debating. Instead, it's a lot of fun, because you have your team for support

Higher confidence

Debate teaches you maintain your composure and poise, allowing you to earn respect from your audience.

Introductory Debaters

Students new to debate are our most important students. We have a variety of options for them to begin their debate journey and learn concrete skills:

Introductory Classes
Introduction to Debate Summer Camp
Private Tutoring
DebateDrills Academy

Intermediate Debaters

Intermediate Debaters typically are looking for a more focused approach to debate that helps them quickly improve their tournament results and their national rankings. We have worked with hundreds of students at this stage of development and recommend:

Intermediate Classes
Core or Intensive Summer Camp
DebateDrills Club Team
Private Tutoring
DebateDrills Academy

Advanced Debaters

Advanced Debaters are trying to become the best debater in the nation. They look for serious coaching support and are interested in winning the hardest tournaments in the country. Many of our students have ranked among the top ten in the nation, and we recommend the following offerings for students hoping to achieve similar success:

Advanced Classes
Intensive Summer Camp
DebateDrills Club Team
Private Tutoring

Browse our services or schedule a call with us to discuss the best option for your child

"DebateDrills provided a platform for Jason to interact and learn with top debaters in the country, forming a strong bond with each other. Jason felt fully supported at tournaments. Words can not express my gratitude and appreciation to DebateDrills for teaching Jason all these years - I have no hesitations recommending DebateDrills to anyone who desires top notch debate training."

Jenny Chan
DebateDrills Parent

Jenny Chan's headshot

"Drilling with coaches and practicing with the other members made for a great and effective orientation to the wide and scary world of circuit debate."

Mark McDermott
DebateDrills Student

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"Jackson grew tremendously as a debater because of the ongoing support from Debate Drills. I highly recommend DebateDrills to parents looking to have their children improve their debating skills and success."

Kati Hanna
DebateDrills Parent

Kati Hanna's headshot

"We found that DebateDrills was invaluable for Asher. Asher went to a high school that did not have a robust debate program to prep and debate at the levels of his peers from more established schools. DebateDrills helped Asher build a sense of team and community that otherwise wouldn’t have existed."

Bill Towner
DebateDrills Parent

Bill Towner's headshot

Ready to start your debate journey?

ONLY available at DebateDrills!

Team

Starting at
$2,750
PF and LD Teams

  • Ages: 7th Grade - 12th Grade
  • Events: LD and PF 
  • Dates: August - April
  • Travel Team

1:1 Tutoring

Starting at
$90
Various Packages Available

  • Ages: 1st Grade - Adults
  • Events: All
  • Dates: Year-Round
  • Bespoke Scheduling

Team Starting at   $2,750

PF and LD Teams
  • Ages: 7th Grade - 12th Grade
  • Events: LD and PF
  • Dates: August - April
  • Travel Team

1:1 Tutoring Starting at  $75

Various Packages Available
  • Ages: 1st Grade - Adults
  • Events: All
  • Dates: Year-Round
  • Bespoke Scheduling

Further Reading

The benefits of debate have been well documented by the academic community. The following links provide more details about the benefits of Speech and Debate: