Since 1931, the National Speech & Debate Tournament has elevated public speaking. Every summer, more than 7,000 middle and high school students travel to the largest academic competition in the world to debate current events, voice their views, and share their stories. After months of preparation, rigorous qualifying tournaments, and five days of prestigious national competition, the best of the best are crowned champions in front of a live audience of thousands and tens of thousands more streaming the events online.