Why join debate?
Participation in speech and debate is the best preparation for college and career. Just a few of the benefits of forensics include:
The rigor of being on the MHS Debate team is rewarded in your GPA with Debate II-IV receiving Advanced Credit.
- Higher college acceptance rates
- Increased performance on standardized tests
- Increase in college-level academic skills such as critical thinking
- Research and Writing skills
- Advocacy and Decision-making skills
- Risk-Reward Evaluation skills
- Communication skills
- Listening and Negotiation skills
- Policy-making skills
- Learning the Art of Persuasion
The rigor of being on the MHS Debate team is rewarded in your GPA with Debate II-IV receiving Advanced Credit.
How much time does it require?
It's definitely a time commitment. If you take Debate, you'll be expected to train two-hours twice a week, in addition to tournament time. If you want to succeed, you'll also want to spend some time working outside of your required training;
However, debate doesn't feel like work. You get to spend time with a funny and intelligent group of students who enjoy acting mentally superior to the rest of the proletariat. They become more than friends, and stronger than family.
However, debate doesn't feel like work. You get to spend time with a funny and intelligent group of students who enjoy acting mentally superior to the rest of the proletariat. They become more than friends, and stronger than family.
When and where are the tournaments?
Tournaments are Fridays and Saturdays at high schools around the Houston area. We typically schedule at least two tournaments per month, but students are not required to attend every tournament. The heavy season is from September to March with a few post-season tournaments later if you've qualified.
Can I Participate in other activities and clubs?
Absolutely; we encourage you to be an active member of several activities and clubs. It's all about how you manage your time. You know your limits better than anyone else. Don't bite off more than you can chew, and don't try to do everything at once.
We are always willing to work with students who are members of other organizations on campus. However, there are a few activities that conflict directly with the debate training schedule and/or the tournament schedule. Typically, groups involved in the Friday Night Lights conflict with the Debate schedule and cannot be resolved.
We are always willing to work with students who are members of other organizations on campus. However, there are a few activities that conflict directly with the debate training schedule and/or the tournament schedule. Typically, groups involved in the Friday Night Lights conflict with the Debate schedule and cannot be resolved.
What does it take to be a debater?
"First and foremost, debate takes dedication. Debate is an activity that requires you to tolerate late nights, little sleep, and long practices. If you are willing to put in the time and effort, chances are you will be a good debater.
A potential debater should also be self-motivated. We are a growing team, so much of the time we spend on research and practicing is led by the students. For this reason, those who are considering joining debate should be relatively self-sufficient or prepared to learn.
As debaters, we have to see and argue both sides of a position, so potential debaters should be open-minded and able to view the world objectively." -- Jessica Green
A potential debater should also be self-motivated. We are a growing team, so much of the time we spend on research and practicing is led by the students. For this reason, those who are considering joining debate should be relatively self-sufficient or prepared to learn.
As debaters, we have to see and argue both sides of a position, so potential debaters should be open-minded and able to view the world objectively." -- Jessica Green