Frequently Asked Questions
What Speech and Debate events can I participate in within CVFL?
There are 12 types of Speech events (impromptu, original oratory, and scripted) and six types of Debate events. There is an event for those who love to argue, those you want to present something informative (think Ted Talks) an event for the funny, dramatic, and even partners who want to use each other’s talent to grow their skills.
Why is Mira Loma’s Team unique?
Our team is a student leadership team. With Mira Loma’s team being as large as 80-100 students each year, a great deal of effort goes into ensuring that each student is developed and given many opportunities to grow. Leadership positions such as President are elected, while Captains are vetted through an election and endorsement process. The students feel a great deal of ownership in how the team works, what competitions it participates in, and how it runs. This management style truly helps competitors grow according to their own goals and allowed leaders to be created and mentored throughout their tenure on the team.
Do you need to try out to be on Mira Loma’s team?
No! There is no try-out process to be apart of the team. We know that there are many reasons why people join the team. Sometimes it is to improve skills and never compete. We don’t want to stop any student from progressing on their goals. We only ask that the team fee be paid as we must pay membership fees for the CVFL, CHSSA and NSDA organizations each year.
Are there any basic requirements to be on the team?
We do have some requirements. To have MLSD on your college apps (checked each year by our counseling team) you must attend at least six practices throughout the year, attend two league tournaments by Oct 31st, or be a senior who has previously competed and paid your team fees.
When and where are the meetings?
Meetings are usually every Monday, after school, from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM. They take place in room F-3.
What if I can’t make all the meetings?
That is okay. We have many members who are apart of sports teams, take a role in the Fall or Spring plays, or have another obligation. We do not require attendance at every meeting. Please meet with the coach (Mr. Stinson) or the team President and we are sure we can make an accommodation.
How much is the average tournament?
There are three types of tournaments in Speech and Debate: League, Invitational and Finals. Each as their own price. League tournaments are very affordable at $10 a tournament. Invitationals vary wildly from $35-85 (double events $80-160), while Finals (State, NCFL, Nationals, TOC vary $40-75. There are travel costs to consider with signing up for Invitational and Final tournaments, but all League Tournaments are local and require no over-nights or expenses other than bringing or buying a lunch.
Why is Speech and Debate important?
Speech and Debate changes lives. From building confidence, improving communication, and increasing critical thinking skills to better preparing students for college, speech and debate activities provide life skills vital to a young person’s success in the future.
What skills will you learn from Speech and Debate?
Speech and Debate activities focus on the four core zones of literacy: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Utilizing these skills inside and outside of the classroom teaches students the value of critical thinking, the ability to clearly articulate thoughts and ideas, to answer questions logically with clarity, and to think on one’s feet. Additionally, students develop interpersonal skills such as conflict resolution, assertiveness, and listening to peers. These important life skills empower youth to become engaged citizens, skilled professionals, and honorable leaders in our society.
Is there a connection between Speech & Debate and strong academics?
Students involved in Speech and Debate are better prepared for English, social sciences and AP classes. Due to their relationship with language, experience composing and deconstructing arguments, and practice researching and gathering evidence, these students really excel.
What does a Speech event look like?
Speech events are not in front of a large group as depicted in movies. Speech events usually involve a presentation by one, two, or sometimes a group of students that is judged against a similar type of presentation by others in a round of competition. Speech events range from limited preparation events that require extensive knowledge of current events to dramatic and humorous interpretation, which challenge students to find powerful moments in literature and recreate them for an audience.
What does a Debate event look like?
Debate involves an individual or a team of Debaters working to effectively convince a judge that their side of a resolution is, as a general principle, more valid. Like speech, these events are in small numbers of people in a room. Students in debate come to thoroughly understand both sides of the resolution, having researched each extensively, and learn to think critically about every argument that could be made on each side.
Is Speech & Debate good for college?
First, Speech and Debate improves academic performance in writing, literacy, communication and critical thinking skills gained through competition and practice. Colleges know this. Second, Speech and Debate is one of the most respected extracurricular activities by colleges and employers as it suggests a student has command of their language and possesses leadership and professional conduct under stressful situations.
If you have any other questions, feel free to email us at [email protected], or email Mr. Stinson at [email protected].
There are 12 types of Speech events (impromptu, original oratory, and scripted) and six types of Debate events. There is an event for those who love to argue, those you want to present something informative (think Ted Talks) an event for the funny, dramatic, and even partners who want to use each other’s talent to grow their skills.
Why is Mira Loma’s Team unique?
Our team is a student leadership team. With Mira Loma’s team being as large as 80-100 students each year, a great deal of effort goes into ensuring that each student is developed and given many opportunities to grow. Leadership positions such as President are elected, while Captains are vetted through an election and endorsement process. The students feel a great deal of ownership in how the team works, what competitions it participates in, and how it runs. This management style truly helps competitors grow according to their own goals and allowed leaders to be created and mentored throughout their tenure on the team.
Do you need to try out to be on Mira Loma’s team?
No! There is no try-out process to be apart of the team. We know that there are many reasons why people join the team. Sometimes it is to improve skills and never compete. We don’t want to stop any student from progressing on their goals. We only ask that the team fee be paid as we must pay membership fees for the CVFL, CHSSA and NSDA organizations each year.
Are there any basic requirements to be on the team?
We do have some requirements. To have MLSD on your college apps (checked each year by our counseling team) you must attend at least six practices throughout the year, attend two league tournaments by Oct 31st, or be a senior who has previously competed and paid your team fees.
When and where are the meetings?
Meetings are usually every Monday, after school, from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM. They take place in room F-3.
What if I can’t make all the meetings?
That is okay. We have many members who are apart of sports teams, take a role in the Fall or Spring plays, or have another obligation. We do not require attendance at every meeting. Please meet with the coach (Mr. Stinson) or the team President and we are sure we can make an accommodation.
How much is the average tournament?
There are three types of tournaments in Speech and Debate: League, Invitational and Finals. Each as their own price. League tournaments are very affordable at $10 a tournament. Invitationals vary wildly from $35-85 (double events $80-160), while Finals (State, NCFL, Nationals, TOC vary $40-75. There are travel costs to consider with signing up for Invitational and Final tournaments, but all League Tournaments are local and require no over-nights or expenses other than bringing or buying a lunch.
Why is Speech and Debate important?
Speech and Debate changes lives. From building confidence, improving communication, and increasing critical thinking skills to better preparing students for college, speech and debate activities provide life skills vital to a young person’s success in the future.
What skills will you learn from Speech and Debate?
Speech and Debate activities focus on the four core zones of literacy: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Utilizing these skills inside and outside of the classroom teaches students the value of critical thinking, the ability to clearly articulate thoughts and ideas, to answer questions logically with clarity, and to think on one’s feet. Additionally, students develop interpersonal skills such as conflict resolution, assertiveness, and listening to peers. These important life skills empower youth to become engaged citizens, skilled professionals, and honorable leaders in our society.
Is there a connection between Speech & Debate and strong academics?
Students involved in Speech and Debate are better prepared for English, social sciences and AP classes. Due to their relationship with language, experience composing and deconstructing arguments, and practice researching and gathering evidence, these students really excel.
What does a Speech event look like?
Speech events are not in front of a large group as depicted in movies. Speech events usually involve a presentation by one, two, or sometimes a group of students that is judged against a similar type of presentation by others in a round of competition. Speech events range from limited preparation events that require extensive knowledge of current events to dramatic and humorous interpretation, which challenge students to find powerful moments in literature and recreate them for an audience.
What does a Debate event look like?
Debate involves an individual or a team of Debaters working to effectively convince a judge that their side of a resolution is, as a general principle, more valid. Like speech, these events are in small numbers of people in a room. Students in debate come to thoroughly understand both sides of the resolution, having researched each extensively, and learn to think critically about every argument that could be made on each side.
Is Speech & Debate good for college?
First, Speech and Debate improves academic performance in writing, literacy, communication and critical thinking skills gained through competition and practice. Colleges know this. Second, Speech and Debate is one of the most respected extracurricular activities by colleges and employers as it suggests a student has command of their language and possesses leadership and professional conduct under stressful situations.
If you have any other questions, feel free to email us at [email protected], or email Mr. Stinson at [email protected].