Formal Debate

Arguing for the sake of arguing is pointless. A proper debate, however, can lead to deep conversations of law and morals. The proper debate process is as follows:

Positive (favoring argument)---> Opening Statements, 2-3 minutes
Negative (opposing argument)---> Opening Statements, 2-3 minutes
Negative---> Body Argument, 5 minutes
Positive---> Body Argument, 5 minutes
Negative---> Rebuttal, 2 minutes
Positive--->Rebuttal, 2 minutes
Positive---> Closing Statements, 1 minute
Negative---> Closing Statements, 1 minute

Writing a Formal Speech

Writing a formal speech remarkably different from writing a school essay or pamphlet. The words chosen for one's speech should be intelligent, but understandable by at least seventy-five percent of the audience. In the case of speeches, the misconception that "big words" make one "sound smart" is even more noticeable. One should be able to pronounce every word in their speech without tripping over the syllables. A speech's written content does not determine the actual length of a speech; by this, it is meant that how quickly or slowly the text is recited is the true dictator of length. For an understandable pace, each paragraph of 4-5 complete sentences should take about thirty seconds to speak. The average length of a formal speech is 4-5 minutes, occasionally longer. Pacing is very important- one does not want to bore their audience with slow monotony, but neither does one want to speak so quickly that the audience does not understand the speech at all.
When addressing the prompt of the speech, do not merely restate the prompt. Use your own words to refer to and elaborate on the prompt. Originality is crucial. However, if one does decide to refer to an idea of someone else's, say a researcher or philosopher, give the original thinker due credit and attribute the idea to them.
While contractions are allowed in formal speech, colloquialisms (save for effect) are not. A formal speech should not sound like an every-day conversation. It is to be dignified and above average talk. Using a colloquialism for a specific purpose, such as quoting a thought, for emphasis, or connecting with the audience is permissible if done appropriately. However, this use should be sparse.

If there are any further questions, please comment to this thread.
-Allison Monahan

Formal Speech

Here is a breakdown of the most important components of formal speaking.

1. Apperance
• In formal speaking, looks do count. You want to appear calm and professional. Humans make first impressions very quickly, and dressing properly helps maintain a good, strong impression. When addressing an audience, they will be looking at you as much as they are listening. To help your apperance match the formality of your speech, here are a few pointers:
• Gentleman- Suit, or dinner jacket and slacks; ironed, collared shirt, long or bow tie of respectful print (no bizzare prints), dress shoes, belt the same color as shoes, socks the same color as slacks. Keep shirt tucked neatly in belt, jacket clean, clean, and you are ready to go.
• Ladies- pant or skirt suit; dinner jacket and pants or skirt; business dress of proper length (knees or longer; mini dresses are discouraged); nude or black tights, neutral heels or flats, modest jewlery, and hair in a respectful style.
• To summarize, dress in formal business attire, and avoid pieces of clothing that might be troublesome (ie mini dress) or distracting (oddly colored ties or shoes). Apperance is is very important, but it should never detract from the speech being given.
2. Eye Contact
• The audience wants to feel engaged, not simply addressed. The more one makes eye contant with people around the room, the more personal the speech will feel and thus, the more appeal it will have with the audience. Staring at the back wall of the room while speaking automatically disconnects the speaker from the audience. 
3. Posture
• Standing up straight helps one appear taller and more secure. Slouching conveys an air of nervousness or laziness. Even if you don't feel strong in front of an audience, always portray yourself as being strong. 
4. Content
• Always, always, always stay on topic. The more formal the speech, and the more that one comes back to the initial topic of the speech, the more powerful the speech as a whole will be. Avoid slang and colloquialisms as much as possible so not to contaminate the validity of the speech.
5. Tone of Voice
• How the words are spoken is just as important as the words themselves. Change in voice volume and pitch can quickly imply positive or negative connotation to the words, emphasis on important points, and indicate the conclusion of a thought. Tone of voice should not be static, as that will devolve to monotony. Allow the voice to fluctuate with the words. 

The Impromptu Speech

Every monday in the D&T club, students will be asked to give an impromptu speech.

For an impromptu speech, student will be chosen at random and issued a simple, broad-spectrum topic. The student will then be asked to speak on this topic for 2-3 minutes with a 30 second grace period.

Topics can range from famous quotes, to audio clips, to local governemnt proposals; a virtually endless list of possiblities.

Students may not decline an impromptu speech, but can request a different topic. The goal of the impromptu speech is to get students as much experience as possible in front of a group with quick feedback on their performance.

Rules and Regulations

RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE SAN JUAN HILLS DEBATE AND TRIAL CLUB

1. What is said during a meeting of the D&T club, remains in that meeting. No student should feel afraid that what they say in a meeting will be used against them for slander, bullying, etc.
2. Constructive cirticism is the only criticism given. The D&T club is a safe environment for fostering public speaking skills, not tearing them down.
3. No student will be forced to debate a topic conflicting with their personal morals. All students can accept and decline speech topics as they choose.
4. Please attend meetings regularly and promptly.
5. Appropriate questions will always be answered. 
6. Please refrain from interrupting another student's speech. An oppertunity to give comments and constructive criticism will be given at the conclusion of each speech.
7. Be open minded- one topic of debate can be seen from more than one perspective.
8. Politics are a part of the debate process, but must be referred to respectfully (no bashing of opposing parties/beliefs/laws).
9. Come to meetings with research ready to go. Research isn't homework, but one should be well versed in what they are going to speak about or debate.
10. Have fun :)

Any and All Questions

If you have any questions about the Debate and Trial Club, please comment to this thread and your question will be answered shortly :)

-Allison Monahan

Welcome!

Hello readers, and welcome to the home page of the San Juan Hills Debate and Trial Club!

This club was started at San Juan Hills High School in 2011, and has been going strong since, meeting every monday during lunch in room D07.

The Debate and Trial Club first and foremost serves to teach students proper speaking skills in a formal setting. Through weekly speeches and discussion sessions, club members are able to practice public speaking in a safe, friendly environment.

The San Juan Hills Debate and Trial Club is open to any student from San Juan Hills High School, so if you are interested, come to one of our our monday meetings! It's lots of fun and looks great on college and work applications.

-Allison Monahan, President of the Debate and Trial Club