This year, a new club has joined North’s ranks. Speech and Debate Club meets every other Wednesday before school in room 221 and already has plenty of members excited to research and discuss different topics.
This club was not exactly quick and easy to create. The idea for Speech and Debate Club actually began last year, but it took a long time to figure out a schedule and recruit members. In fact, it was so tough, there were only three meetings. All this happened after the long process of getting the club approved. The club needed to meet certain criteria, and needed to be discussed with Rebecca LaPorta, assistant principal of Student Life, and Erin Manheim, assistant director for student activities.
“It can take anywhere from, I’d say, on the safe side, about a month to several months. For us, it took a little bit longer because the students that were in charge of getting the things together were super busy,” said Shayne Dwyer, Speech and Debate Club adviser.
Speech and Debate Club is focusing on practicing different types of debates, since this is the first year it is up and running. However, their goal is to eventually start competing with other schools and hopefully take a few prizes back. Before they can achieve that goal, their members are working to learn the structure required for a debate and what goes into preparing for one. There are two different types of debates: academic and congressional. Academic debate is more traditional, with people debating and coming to an understanding about a topic. Congressional debate is more like what the name suggests, what Congress does. Congressional debate is more dynamic, and prioritizes leadership and legislature. But the actual structure for them is more complicated.
“Debate has pros and cons, or affirmative and negatives, and you go back and forth in a very structured manner. And then there’s only a certain number of speeches you can do, but you’re allowed to get some research beforehand, and there’s certain ways that you have to give the speeches,” Dwyer said.
For some students, Speech and Debate Club sounds interesting, but they still hesitate to join. This is understandable, as over 70% of the population dislikes public speaking. Dwyer recognizes these fears, as he experienced them himself when doing debate in high school. He has worked to make sure that every student in the club feels comfortable and safe speaking. It is difficult for people to put themselves out there, but, according to Dwyer, debate is a great way to make your voice heard and discuss topics with others.
“No one’s going to judge you. They’re just going to give you some feedback. And it is a very laid back atmosphere, because while we are debating certain things, it’s completely student-run,” said Dwyer.
So, if students want to debate about something they are passionate about, the club will be open for suggestions.
According to Dwyer, Speech and Debate is a new club created to represent the students who have what people call “drive.” To explain this further, many people can look at something and be indifferent, not really having an opinion, and that is OK. But if students enjoy researching and winning an argument against a person with a different perspective, then this club is for them. And if they are nervous about jumping into competitions, they should not worry. They will get lots of practice.
“You also need to be able to look at it from different perspectives, because you never know what your opponent’s gonna say. So you need to be able to refute whatever is said with evidence and not just go, ‘Well, I don’t like what you said,’” Dwyer said.
So, if students have drive, or just want to be able to win arguments with others, they should go to the next meeting. And when the club begins competing, make sure to win North some shiny new prizes. Even if they do not have a competitive streak, it is OK. Dwyer believes that joining any club at North is a great way to promote school spirit and foster student relationships.
“[Clubs are] a great way to just get to know people, be part of the school, and a part of the community,” said Dwyer.
