News
Speech and debate in the news.
Why do we think every student should try speech and debate? Here’s what others have been saying lately.
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Why Public Speaking Skills Matter More Than Ever In The Age Of AI
As AI takes over more of the writing and research, the ability to stand up and speak to a room is becoming a distinctly human advantage. The piece points out that young people now spend far less time socializing face to face than a generation ago, even as employers rank communication, leadership and listening among the skills they want most. Its advice: build confidence early through frequent, low-stakes practice.
Read the full story at Forbes (opens in a new tab) -
The skills that will matter most in the age of AI are the ones most schools treat as an afterthought
A school leader who once dreaded public speaking argues that it is a skill anyone can learn, not a gift some people are born with. Now that AI can produce a polished written answer in seconds, speaking, debating and thinking aloud have become the clearest evidence that a student truly understands something. He urges schools to make these skills part of every student's education rather than an activity for a few.
Read the full story at ECIS (opens in a new tab) -
In Debate Club, Teens Are Learning the Skills Adults May Have Forgotten
What do teenagers learn in debate that many adults seem to have lost? Staying composed under pressure, letting others finish speaking, checking claims against original sources, and preparing both sides of an issue before taking a position. Students describe how debate eased their fear of public speaking, and the piece notes research linking debate to better test scores and attendance and fewer suspensions.
Read the full story at KQED MindShift (opens in a new tab) -
The Last Entrepreneurs Standing: Why Speech & Debate Kids Will Thrive in the Age of AI
As AI automates routine knowledge work, the jobs that remain will reward people who can persuade, build something new and lead through uncertainty. This essay argues that speech and debate trains exactly those abilities: pitching an idea, arguing both sides, researching fast, thinking on your feet and recovering from a loss. It makes the case that debate should be treated as preparation for work and life, open to every student.
Read the full story at Education Disrupted (Substack) (opens in a new tab) -
Senate designates March 6, 2026, as National Speech and Debate Education Day
With bipartisan sponsors, the Senate unanimously recognized speech and debate for building communication, critical thinking, creativity and collaboration, and for teaching young people to listen, ask good questions and disagree respectfully. The resolution also recognizes the long hours students put into competing and the evenings and weekends that teachers and coaches volunteer to make it possible.
Read the resolution at Congress.gov (opens in a new tab)
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