All students interested in joining Speech and Debate must try out. Returning team members who competed in at least three tournaments last year will not need to try out again this year.
Tryouts this year are online. Please record a video of your tryout and click here to submit. You must be logged in to your CUSD account. The deadline to submit your tryout is Friday, August 22 at 5 PM. No late submissions will be accepted.
In your video, please include the following: 1. A written and memorized introduction
Please include:
Your name
Any speaking, acting, or debating experience
The event you would like to compete in
Why you would like to join the speech and debate team
Introductions should be about 30 seconds - 1 minute in length.
2. A memorized speech
Click here to access a PDF document of three speeches.
Chooseone speech to memorize.
Prepare to perform! You will be judged on your memorization, vocal projection, voice, tone, and fluency.
3. A written and memorized argument
Topic: Social media algorithms harm democratic values.
Please choose to argue either for or against the topic. Your goal is to convince the judge your opinion is correct!
You will be judged on the quality of your argument and speaking ability. You will not be judged on your opinion.
Arguments should be about 1 minute in length.
Please note: You will be judged on your preparedness for your tryout.
