Speech & Debate

Curriculum Workshop Documents

Communication Applications

The course is designed to help prepare all students for success beyond high school by ensuring that each student possesses effective communication skills.  The course explores the communication process, verbal and nonverbal messages, interpersonal and group communication, listening, critical thinking, problem solving and improving communication skills in professional and social settings.  This includes teaching skills in making good communication choices and equipping students with the ability to analyze standards for using informal, standard and technical language appropriately.  The course also instructs students in recognizing the various types of nonverbal communication and how nonverbal communication affects the messages we send.  Additionally, there is a focus on listening skills and how listening affects the communication process.  The basic communication skills are related to real-world interactions such as interviewing, dealing with co-workers, participating in group activities and interacting with persons with different cultural norms and expectations.  Finally, the course focuses on creating and delivering effective presentations both in a formal and informal setting.

Debate

This course introduces students to the four levels of competitive debate: Cross Examination, Lincoln-Douglas, Public Forum, and Student Congress. Through analysis and research skills, students will learn to objectively evaluate and support both sides of various current issues. Students will also be exposed to Original Oratory and Extemporaneous Speaking. The final result of classroom preparation will be the opportunity to participate in competitive debate and speaking situations through tournaments, workshops, and showcases.

Oral Interpretation

This course introduces the student to the performance of literature through Humorous and Dramatic Interpretation, Prose and Poetry Interpretation, Duet Acting, and Duo Interpretation. Through characterization, interpretation, and performance, student ill learn to relate literature to an audience. The final result of classroom preparation will be the opportunity to participate in competitive performance situations through tournaments, workshops, and showcases.

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High School Speech Programs

Amarillo High • Caprock High • Palo Duro High • Tascosa High

Middle School Speech Programs

Austin • Bonham • Bowie • Crockett • Fannin • Sam Houston • Lorenzo de Zavala • Mann • Travis

2010-2011 Speech Tournaments

"Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Speech & Debate" PowerPoint
Created by Amarillo High School Speech and Debate Team