Stories & News

Featured Stories

Read the latest speech and debate stories, news, and research.

How Debate Turned A Failing Middle School Around

Facing enrollment decline, a Brooklyn middle school transforms after a former high school debate coach takes the lead. Meg Oliver has the story for “Eye on America.”

Expanding Access to Speech and Debate

The NSDA announces the Speech and Debate Initiative to increase access to speech and debate across the nation. Help us reach our goal for adding 100,000 student participants in speech and debate every year.

High School Students Find Common Ground on the Debate Stage

HS Students Find Common Ground on the Debate Stage

High school speech and debate programs are helping students across the U.S. develop critical skills—especially in a polarized society. Through tournaments and practice rounds, students don’t just argue—they learn to listen, and find common ground.

How Debate Turned A Failing Middle School Around

Teens Are Learning Skills Adults May Have Forgotten

Speech and debate clubs teach essential skills such as critical thinking, emotional regulation, civility, listening, and persuasive argumentation which many adults struggle with in public discourse today.

Expanding Access to Speech and Debate

The NSDA announces the Speech and Debate Initiative to increase access to speech and debate across the nation. Help us reach our goal for adding 100,000 student participants in speech and debate every year.

HS Students Find Common Ground on the Debate Stage

High school speech and debate programs are helping students across the U.S. develop critical skills—especially in a polarized society. Through tournaments and practice rounds, students don’t just argue—they learn to listen, and find common ground.

[dipl_tabs tab_trigger=”click” tab_spaces=”7px” active_tab_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” tab_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” active_title_text_color=”#00538B” title_text_color=”#5E514E” title_font_size=”19px” active_title_font=”|700|||||||” min_height=”150px” custom_margin=”-65px|0px||0px|false|true” custom_padding=”|15px||15px|false|true” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][dipl_tabs_item content_type=”dipl_content_layout” select_content_layout=”151752″ title=”Perspectives” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”500px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” border_radii_tab=”on|9px|9px|9px|9px” border_color_all_tab=”#DBD6D2″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/dipl_tabs_item][dipl_tabs_item content_type=”dipl_content_layout” select_content_layout=”156702″ title=”In the Media” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][/dipl_tabs_item][dipl_tabs_item content_type=”dipl_content_layout” select_content_layout=”158526″ title=”Local News” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][/dipl_tabs_item][dipl_tabs_item content_type=”dipl_content_layout” select_content_layout=”152180″ title=”Research & Reports” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” module_alignment=”center” min_height=”450px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][/dipl_tabs_item][dipl_tabs_item content_type=”dipl_content_layout” select_content_layout=”156777″ title=”Videos” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][/dipl_tabs_item][dipl_tabs_item content_type=”dipl_content_layout” select_content_layout=”150020″ title=”Events” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”330px” global_colors_info=”{}”][/dipl_tabs_item][/dipl_tabs]

Connect With Us

How has speech and debate changed your life?

Share Your Story

Click here to claim your FREE alumni membership.

Claim Alumni Membership

Learn more about the Speech and Debate Initiative.

Expand Speech and Debate