When looking at Speech and Debate on paper, it is seen as just another club. However, the activities included in the program set it up for discussion whether or not it rightfully should be placed under the sports category. 

“I don’t really believe it is [a sport] as much as many people say it is. I think that it does have something more to it than many extracurricular activities, but I don’t think it’s pushing your mind ‘and’ body the same way that many sports do,” senior Zander Renfro, a team member, said.

It doesn’t seem that there are many debaters who think Speech and Debate is a sport when compared to others like football and basketball. They can confirm that it takes as much dedication, mental preparedness, and resoluteness that puts it into competition with sports.

“Speech is an all-year program with four months as a school sport,” Speech Coach Jason Burleigh said. “The nine different styles of speech are Dramatic Interpretation, Humorous Interpretation, Duo Interpretation, Program Oral, Original Oratory, Public Address, Impromptu Speaking, Extemp, and Informative Speaking.”

Speech can benefit one’s career skills, ranging from a McDonald’s worker to a CEO at a large company. It also helps participants build analytical speaking, research skills, and teaches the ability to use AI as a tool.

“Debate is a competitive activity that gives students more life skills than any other sport,” Debate Coach Tony Rosales said. “It gives students the ability to communicate effectively, accept critical feedback, an element of resiliency, and look at skills and communication styles introspectively.”

Rosales said debate gives feedback on a more personal level, rather than getting feedback as a group. Debate is more flexible than other sports, letting the members do other activities more freely.