Debate Information

Ben Davis High School offers both speech and debate for all students. No prerequisites are needed to enroll in speech or debate. Enrolling in speech or debate helps students further their communication skills.

Debate focuses on developing skills for students to become: (1) in-depth researchers, (2) technical and persuasive writers, (3) effective communicators, and (4) perceptive listeners.

Students gain an understanding of argumentation and persuasion theories and develop skills in logic and analysis. Students also research topics using a variety of literary and technical genres, organize research, write persuasive cases, and practice public speaking. Debate is highly is recommended to college prep students.

The debate season begins in October and ends in February. Students will need to compete in three tournaments to pass the class. Events students can participate in include:

• Policy Debate
• Student Congress
• Lincoln Douglas
• Public Forum Debate