The Homeschool Minute ~ Speech and Debate–should we?

Speech and Debate: Should we? Let me answer that in two ways.

Here is my Speech:

Speech and Debate programs are increasing in number across the country. These teams of highly motivated and academically successful students are shining stars in the homeschool community and abroad. Among them are gifted orators, humorous narrators, and just plain, normal kids who didn’t think they could stomach standing in front of other people and communicating until they tried these programs. Speech and Debate are worth the consideration of adding to your child’s academic transcript.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I will take the affirmative position that Debate is a fundamental necessity for any student wishing to further his academic career. Thorough preparation, topic research, excellent writing and communication skills, as well as logical arguments and strong conclusions are all necessary in a debate setting. The student will gain strength of conviction, becoming confident in other academic, civic and social settings, and all due to the rigorous study and practice of debate.

Obviously, I would have benefitted if I had the opportunity to participate in this kind of program when I was young. Today, our own homeschooled children have so many more opportunities for growth and learning than I ever did. If my little speech and debate do not convince you to look into a program in your area, maybe these articles will:

Developing Skills and Character Through Homeschool Speech and Debate by Andrew Pudewa

Speech and Debate: The Activity That Transformed My Life by Olyvia Chinchilla

Speech and Debate by Chris Jeub

And, of course, here are some Scriptures that give us true wisdom and great reward:

“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).

“Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.” (Titus 2:6-8).

The apostle Peter admonished that we should “always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you …” (1 Peter 3:15, NKJV) That’s a strong suggestion that learning to speak up in public, even to make a gracious argument sometimes, is something we should seek for our kids to master!

For many people, public speaking is one of the most fearsome tasks of all! But being able to collect their thoughts, take a breath, and make a useful comment in a meeting or gathering will give your students more confidence … and make them better contributors to the church, community, or workplace.

Note that Peter is talking about more than just our personal opinion–the word translated “defense” is apologia, which means a logical argument like you might hear in a courtroom. Learning the tools of debate is the next step from public speaking to persuasive speaking.

You may be blessed to have speech and debate instructors in your area. Our oldest son really benefited from his debate coach’s instruction. However, if there are no classes nearby, or the schedule or costs don’t fit your family’s budget, there are many ways to build confidence in your young speakers:

1. Have them read aloud. Try reading different styles of writing–passages from the Bible, stories from literature, even articles from the newspaper. Encourage them to read with expression–it’s more interesting for the hearers. Then it’s only a short step to expressing yourself in your own well-chosen words.
2. Invite your children to pray out loud. Actually, this is one of the most common forms of public speaking in Christian circles, so believers ought to learn to compose a simple, extemporaneous prayer for a group situation. It doesn’t need to be eloquent–just real.
3. Discuss ideas and challenge them to make their case. You can choose questions with no right or wrong answer–“Is a Mustang a better car than a Corvette?”–and have your students choose sides for a calm debate. Require them to define what they mean and back up their statements with evidence!
4. Use special events as opportunities for small presentations. On birthdays, our whole family takes turns to offer a blessing, share advice, or express appreciation for the person we honor. Each person is challenged to come up with a short statement
5. Be sure your student knows the difference between “debate” and “rebellion,” and you be sure you know it, too! Debate can be vigorous, spirited, and dramatic, but should always be conducted with respect and love. Our goal is not to crush our opponents and carry away every argument, but to encourage one another to greater love and service of our King–and all our fellow servants! So go and be valiant for truth!

Hal & Melanie Young
info@raisingrealmen.com 

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