ANHS Speech and Debate

ANHS Speech & Debate is an incredible extra-curricular at Nelson that helps students in a multitude of ways.  Students compete against other schools at local tournaments in events of their choosing. These tournaments help students learn time-management, responsibility, self-efficacy, and provide excellent networking opportunities. Students can earn academic letters at Nelson and compete at the Oregon State Speech Tournament or Nationals to earn special distinctions. We also have opportunities for English Language Learners!

Speech & Debate also helps students plan for their futures. Competitors in Speech & Debate have access to specialized scholarship opportunities through the National Speech and Debate Association. Many tournaments take place at colleges and universities providing unique opportunities to visit campuses and even be recruited to college teams!

Learn more about the Speech & Debate:

National Speech and Debate Association

Oregon State Activities Association speech site

Speech Oregon

Speech Events

Speech events involve writing an original speech and giving it to an audience. Some events are written in advance, others are written at the tournament in rounds. All help with public speaking, conducting research, and help students learn about the world.

• After Dinner Speaking
• Original Oratory
• Informative 
• Extemporaneous Speaking
• Impromptu Speaking
• Radio Commentary

Interpretation Events

Interpretation events involve choosing, cutting, and performing published works such as plays, books, or poetry. All help with learning to interpret literature and build acting skills in a unique environment.

• Literary Interpretation for English Language Learners 
• Dramatic Interpretation
• Duet Interpretation
• Humorous Interpretation
• Prose
• Poetry
• Programmed Oral Interpretation

Debate Events

Debate events involve preparing to debate both sides of a topic and having a debate with another student or team of students. Some cases are prepared in advance and some are prepared at the tournament. All help with learning problem solving, how to navigate disagreement, and conduct research.

• Lincoln-Douglas Debate
• Policy Debate
• Public Forum Debate
• Parliamentary Debate
• Congressional Debate
• Big Question Debate