Advocacy Articles
We’ve curated a list of articles from journalists, columnists, educators, and others that explain the benefits of speech and debate. They may be useful in convincing administrators, parents, students, or donors to support and participate in speech and debate. If you come across articles to add to the list, please feel free to send them to info@speechanddebate.org.
Skills Development
Speech and Debate Bolsters Student Confidence
Speech and Debate’s Impact on Academics
MIT: Students on Debate Team Learn to Explain and Persuade Skillfully
DEBATE: Important for Everyone (PDF)
Speech and Debate Fosters Leadership Skills
High Schools Need to Make Debate Class a Graduation Requirement
Career Readiness
Top 3 Reasons to Join a Debate Club to Benefit Your Career
Do Debaters Make Better Lawyers?
Importance Of Communication Skills for Students
Competitive Debate and the Development of Legal Reasoning
3 Skills All Communications Majors Must Have
5 Skills College Grads Need to Get a Job
What Employers Want: 5 More Skills to Cultivate
Employers Seek Communication Skills in New Hires
Why Listening Might Be The Most Important Skill To Hire For
Employability Skills – Skills You Need for a Job
6 Ways Effective Listening Can Make You A Better Leader
Communication Skills in the Workplace: How To Get Your Point Across At Work
How to Really Listen to Your Employees
College Readiness
Forensics and College Admissions
Hone the Top 5 Soft Skills Every College Student Needs
Testimonials
Teaching Soft Skills: Helping Youth Transition With Strength
Letters in Support of Speech and Debate
Why I Debate: Student Testimonials
Middle School
Making the Case for Teaching Students to Debate