Speech and Debate

Public speaking and debating in any number of formats is a performance. That is why our Speech and Debate Department is a part of our Arts Program.Much like our Dance, Theater and Technical Theater courses, we all use the tenets of Create, Respond, Perform, Connect, Praxis and Play in Speech and Debate. An argument or opinion is created and presented, connecting with your audience is vital for persuasion, and responding to your opponent with research requires both preparation and creativity.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

The Middle School offers a performing arts Debate class to 7th and 8th graders where students learn a variety of debate skills and compete in tournaments throughout the year. Focus is on research and writing arguments with integrity, delivering those arguments with confidence, and working together as a class to support and critique peers with respect. Styles of debate include Student Congress, Public Forum, Extemporaneous Speaking, and SPAR.

UPPER SCHOOL

Berkeley Carroll is proud of its exceptional Upper School Speech and Debate team, which in recent years has consistently had students place among the top finishers in competitions both locally and around the country. In 2019, BC was named a Member School of Emory University's Barkley Forum for High Schools, in recognition of our commitment to teaching critical thinking, public presentation skills, and top-level research in speech & debate.

COMPETITIONS

Those interested in speech compete in a variety of events, including Oral Interpretation of Prose and Poetry, Original Oratory, Extemporaneous Speaking, and Dramatic or Humorous Interpretation. Students interested in debate compete in Student Congress, Lincoln Douglas and Public Forum styles of debate.

Berkeley Carroll is a member of the Brooklyn Queens Catholic Forensic League and the team participates in about a dozen local weekend competitions each year. Additionally, Berkeley Carroll students compete in national competitions hosted by various college debate programs around the country, including those at Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Emory. About 25 students each year qualify in their various specialties for the State Championship in April and about six to eight for the National Championships in May and June.

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