Big Student Voices Deserve a Big Screen

A message from J. Scott Wunn, Executive Director of the National Speech & Debate Association

“While those three national championships and numerous pieces of hardware are a great source of pride to me, the most special thing about my time in forensics is that close to 25 years later it still leaves an impression on thousands of students around the country. I am constantly surprised when I’m stopped by a young teen not to discuss my TV, film, or stage work but rather the impact my oratories and other pieces have had on them as they study my tapes and carve their own paths. Having a legacy dating back to my high school years that continues to impact students to this day is beyond my wildest dreams.” — Josh Gad in his book, In Gad We Trust

Through all the challenges of getting a movie made, not to mention having to stop and start again due to a global pandemic, Guy Mossman and his team never abandoned the vision of sharing the power of speech and debate with a larger audience than ever before. Last week, that vision came to life when the Sundance Film Festival premiered Speak., a compelling film documenting the school year and following five original oratory competitors.

Giving young people the opportunity to share their messages, stories, and hopes for the future is an important aspect of speech and debate. Even before they can vote, speech and debate—particularly Original Oratory—empowers students to harness the power of their own voices to persuade a room full of individuals from all walks of life. It is my hope that this film inspires students across the country and around the world to use their words to impact their communities and their futures. I also hope it brings us one step closer to our mission of having a speech and debate program in every school.

Many thanks to the hard work and dedication of Guy Mossman, Jennifer Tiexiera, and their teams, as well as the support of Executive Producer, NSDA alum, and Oratory champion Josh Gad for bringing this vision to life. Most of all, we want to thank the orators featured in the film, along with their teams and coaches, for sharing their lives with us—and now the world—over the past few years. This film is for all the alumni, students, and coaches who have kept this activity an integral part of education for the past 100 years and will continue to do so for 100 more and beyond.

You can check out what publications are already saying about this film:

Los Angeles Times: https://lat.ms/3PQArkb

Hollywood Reporter: https://bit.ly/3PU2qzE

Newsweek: https://bit.ly/4ggZ5oU

Them: https://bit.ly/4gduQiL

Letterboxd: https://bit.ly/3PU2qj8

You also have the opportunity to stream it during the festival by purchasing an online ticket. Space is limited! https://bit.ly/4ha3qMc