Speech and Debate is an extra-curricular activity offered at many high schools (and even some middle schools) around the nation. Students are part of an exciting team that travels around the state to compete against other students at other schools. There are individual trophies awarded to competitors and sweepstakes points awarded to each school for each competitor's success. Then there are sweepstakes trophies awarded to the schools with the most points at each tournament.

Tournaments are hosted by different high schools and have between 15-30 schools in attendance. Each competition typically occurs on Friday night and all day Saturday. The Speech/Debate team can attend as many as 12 tournaments in a regular season. The season usually lasts from October to June each school year. At the end of the regular season, there are district competitions where students could advance to state and even national competitions.

There are many rewards earned from being part of the speech/debate team. An individual earns a sense of belonging, increased self-esteem, ability to speak in front of people and many communication and argumentation skills that could come in handy in the workforce. Through our governing organizations of Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) and National Forensic League (NFL), students can earn plaques, trophies, medals, scholarships and local and national recognition.

To be a successful Speech participant, a person must work hard to develop speaking skills, acting skills, knowledge of current issues, speech-writing skills and use of body language and nonverbal communication. Speech events offered at tournaments are extemporaneous speaking, storytelling, original oratory speech, humorous interpretation, dramatic interpretation, duet acting, duo interpretation, stand-up comedy, duet improvisation, poetry, prose and radio. A student may participate in speech and debate events throughout the year in either novice (beginner) or varsity tournaments.

To be a successful Debate participant, a person must be willing to learn how to research evidence, write debate cases, develop argumentation and persuasion skills and be well-versed in current issues. Debate events offered at tournaments are lincoln-douglas 1-on-1 value debate, team 2-on-2 evidence debate and public forum 2-on-2 debate. A student may participate in debate and speech events throughout the year in either novice (beginner) or varsity tournaments.

There are also other competitions in which students can become involved. Student Congress is set up like a real congressional meeting and students discuss whether or not to pass certain bills up for discussion. These bills include topics such as gas prices, educational accountability, tax raises and minimum wages. Mock Trial competition is set up like a real courtroom trial with actual attorneys and judges that evaluate the competitors. A fictional case is tried with each team arguing both the prosecution and defense sides.

Many skills are learned through the instructional speech/debate classes offered at Joplin High School. There are also many team-related announcements given during class and practice sessions for preparation for tournament. The speech/debate team and classes are all headed up by Mr. Phil Travis. He can be reached at JHS at (417) 625-5230.