Become a Speech and Debate Coach
Make a Difference Through Coaching
Coaches make speech and debate possible! Every team is led by a coach, or team of coaches, who manage the team and teach students the skills they need to succeed in competition and in life. Speech and debate participation is school-based, but anyone can coach, from teachers to grandparents. No prior knowledge or experience is required—we have the training and resources to teach anyone to coach!
We Provide the Tools and Support
When you become a coach at an NSDA school, you gain access to training tools, curriculum, competitions, and Honor Society recognition for your students. Whether you’re teaching speech and debate in the classroom or preparing students to compete in tournaments, we have you covered. Plus, you can get started for free: grants are available for new programs!
Annual School Membership
$349 annually |
Membership is active through July 31 of the school year for which you are renewing.
Student Benefits
- EXPAND YOUR RÉSUMÉ: Join one of the oldest and most respected honor societies known to admissions offices. Contextualize your speech and debate experience for internships, college applications, and scholarship opportunities.
- BUILD YOUR SKILLS: Access more than 1,000 competitive resources to practice your events and hone your skills.
- FIND MOTIVATION: Earn points and track your progress based on your competition and service activities.
- UNLOCK AWARDS: Qualify for special NSDA awards for competitive success, academic achievement, or service.
- ATTEND NATIONALS: Compete to qualify to the National Tournament where our champions are crowned.
Coach Benefits
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ELEVATE YOUR PRACTICES: Access online resources for speech and debate like lesson plans, textbooks, and practice tools.
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GET RECOGNIZED: Stand out to your administration when we celebrate your team’s progress with press releases, email outreach, and awards for achievement, growth, and service.
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IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS: Access on-demand professional development opportunities through a variety of courses and resources.
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MOTIVATE YOUR STUDENTS: Manage your roster and enter points to allow students to track their progress in the Honor Society. Find tools to shape your culture and manage your team.
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CONNECT WITH EXPERTS: We are ready to answer your questions and provide support. Call or email to connect directly with our experienced staff 5 days a week.
Join today and purchase your membership
Connect with schools in your area
Find tools to teach or coach
Use our kit to pitch a program
What is Speech and Debate
Speech and debate is a competitive activity that teaches students communication and critical thinking skills they will use in every stage of their lives. Through speaking, debating, and acting, they build confidence and expand their understanding of the world around them.
With a variety of team and individual competition options, students can choose their own adventure and explore the events that appeal to them.
Two students are debating whether violent revolution is a just response to political oppression.
Debate
Two students bring a novel about girls who search for friendship amidst slavery to life.
Acting
In speech and debate, acting is classified as Interpretation, because students are interpreting literature and bringing characters to life. Students choose a published work and portray multiple characters without the use of props or costumes: they create distinct characters using only their bodies and their voices. Performances can be funny, dramatic, or a bit of both! There are events for pairs and individuals.
A student examines the impacts of hatred in our society.
This student had 30 minutes to research and practice this speech that predicts the long-term effects of the Green New Deal.
Public Address
Students research and write an original speech designed to inform or persuade. Depending on the event, this may be done far in advance to allow for polished delivery or visual aids, or created with limited preparation to teach students to think on their feet. Students compete as individuals.