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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 member 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!  

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    • SCHOOL MEMBERSHIP
    		 HIGH SCHOOL: $149
    annual dues    		 MIDDLE SCHOOL: $75
    annual dues    		 ANNUAL
    • STUDENT MEMBERSHIP
    		 HIGH SCHOOL:
    $20 one-time enrollment for entirety of high school    		 MIDDLE SCHOOL:
    $10 one-time enrollment elementary up to high school    		 ONE-TIME
    • COACH MEMBERSHIP
    		 $20 one-time enrollment ONE-TIME
    RESOURCE PACKAGE $199 optional annual subscription ANNUAL
    Grants are available for new schools and Title I programs

    NSDA Student

    Because of speech and debate, I have the confidence to know that I do belong in spaces that I don’t always see myself reflected in. The power of my voice can carry me through even if someone hasn’t paved the path for me.

    NSDA Student

    From my first debate round to my final tournament, I realized that speech and debate was more than just a competitive activity; it was a space where individuals could come together, share ideas, and support one another.

    NSDA Coach

    Ever since I took over as director of my program last year, I’ve found myself leaning on the NSDA resources more and more and have continuously been surprised by how in-depth, frequently updated, and driven toward impact/success they are. I would not at all be the coach/program director I am today without them.

    I'm ready to get started

    Join today and purchase your memberships

    I want to find a program near me

    Connect with schools in your area

    I want to explore NSDA coach benefits

    Find tools to teach or coach

    I need to persuade a decision-maker

    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. 

    Debate

    Debate involves an individual or a team of debaters working to effectively convince a judge that their side of a topic is, as a general principle, more valid. Students come to thoroughly understand both sides of the topic by considering arguments from all angles. Debate involves a mix of advanced preparation and quick thinking to respond to an opponent. There are events for pairs and individuals.

    Two students are debating whether violent revolution is a just response to political oppression.

    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.

    Two students bring a novel about girls who search for friendship amidst slavery to life. 

    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. 

    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. 

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