What does a student gain from competative debate

Question

Students seem to want to argue anyway, so why would we want to get them better at it? Is competitive debate that big of a deal? What do students get out of it?

Answer 1

I actually agree with your critique. I am a former champion debater and speaker, and now I run a weekly podcast and do presentations and workshops as well as tutoring. I moved away from competitive debate because I found that it emphasizes the wrong set of skills as a communicator. This is not to say that debate is wrong or unhelpful, but it's a bit of a double-edged sword for exactly the reasons you suggest. It tends to train people to superficially attack others' ideas and make whatever arguments "win," rather than training deeper reflection and meaningful dialogue. And unless your goal is to become an aggressive negotiator or industry lobbyist of some kind (and perhaps even then), this is the wrong approach.

So, perhaps a certain amount of competitive debate is helpful, but for students seeking to develop more useful real-world mastery of communications, I would suggest a holistic curriculum including storytelling, theater, speech (like toastmasters), leadership training, and embodied practices like breathwork meditation or athletics (it cannot be overstated how much confidence and speaking power comes from strong relationship with the body).

This is the kind of holistic mixed-modality skills development that I personally practice, and it's also what I encourage and coach in others. Aggressive debate and weaponized rhetoric have very limited application. Leading and teaching effectively has more to do with genuinely inspiring and understanding others, and involves deep listening just as much as it does speaking.

Answer 2

Participation in competitive speech and debate has been proven to enhance students' academic success and increase their motivation and engagement. Available research shows strong positive impacts from extra-curricular debate, including incredible improvements in critical thinking, standardized test scores, GPAs, and college attendance.

Additional skills promoted and instilled through speech and debate include mental and emotional maturity, effective writing, public speaking, and self-confidence.

Students and their families seek success in competitive Speech & Debate not only for the academic skills they can gain but also in anticipation of college admissions.

According to the Wall Street Journal, college admissions directors are relying less on grade point averages and standardized test scores, and are relying more on success in academically-related extracurricular activities such as speech and debate.

In fact, many college admission officers count these activities much higher than success in sports and holding class office.

Students who wish to grow academically, become self-learners, and gain the skills necessary to successfully navigate the academic, social, political, and career aspects of life will benefit greatly from competitive debate.

Students who participate are high achievers who plan to go on to college and pursue careers in law, politics, medicine, engineering, and/or other Master's Degree programs.