Students Speech Ability Debate Class Learn Describing Language

Many American high schools offer classes in "speech" (the ability to make oral (spoken) presentations) and "debate" (the ability to argue one's opinion). At many schools, all students have to take a speech class, but a debate class is usually an "elective" (a course that is not required for graduation, but can be chosen by students).

In a speech class, usually students are "assigned" (told to work on) topics and given time to prepare their presentation, often using "visual aids" (things for audience members to look at while one presents information). Some of the speeches are "impromptu," meaning that the students might have only 1-2 minutes to prepare their speech. Students learn how to organize their ideas and "overcome" (be able to work past) their fear of "public speaking" (making presentations in front of groups of people).

In a debate class, students learn how to present and "defend" (protect from attack) opinions on "controversial" (with many different, strong opinions) issues. Sometimes they have to "argue" (present information for or against something) opinions that are not their personal opinions. They have to learn to "support their argument" (show the reason for believing something) with "facts" (things that can be proven as true) and be "persuasive" (able to change other people's opinions).

Many schools have competitions for debate teams, with the winner often "going on" (moving up to the next level) to compete at the city, state, or national level. Many parents "encourage" (try to help) their children to participate in debate teams, because they think it helps them "develop" (improve and grow) their "self-confidence" (belief that one can do something) and is good preparation for a future "career" (job).