Why Speech and Debate?
Speech and debate teaches skills that will last a lifetime! By joining the speech and debate team, students learn sportsmanship, research literacy, critical thinking, and rhetoric in a friendly, thoughtful, and supportive environment. They will grow more confident and capable in their public speaking abilities. They will have the opportunity to compete for medals and trophies--or just for the fun of it! And they will also have the opportunity to join the National Speech and Debate Association Honor Society, which is recognized by the Howard County School system and by colleges and universities across the country.
In speech and debate, as in track and field, there is a large list of events to choose from, so everyone can find their niche. In speech, there are performance events for the dramatically-inclined, current affairs events for the news junkies among us, and off-the-cuff events for the spontaneous at heart. In debate, there are team events and individual events, events that focus on current affairs and events focused on ethics. No matter what interests you, there is an event that will let you pursue those interests!
Why Our Team?
Our team is successful. We have repeatedly placed debaters among the top-16 at the Grand National Tournament (GNT) and have won multiple State Championships in both speech and debate events. In LD debate, for example, we have won the State Championship in 5 of the last 7 years, and finished as runners-up in each of the years we didn't win. In 2020 and 2024, we were the #1 team in the Baltimore Metro League. And we have qualified students to the GNT every year for 12 of the last 13 years.
Our team is experienced and knowledgeable. With coaches who have more than 55 combined years of experience competing, coaching, and judging, our team has the resources and knowledge to help you improve in your chosen event. No matter your level of skill, we have the expertise to help you develop and grow as an orator or debater.
Our team is tight-knit and collaborative. We are there for every member of the team and work to support every member in their quest to reach their maximum potential. Team members work and practice together to build the skill sets they need to thrive in our successful and nurturing program. We have a strong network of alumni support that speaks to the friendships and connections built here.
Our team is welcoming. No matter your current level of experience or background, our team is ready to work with and for you. We are committed to promoting a welcoming and supportive environment for our students and to ensuring that every student gets the support they need to grow in their event. No one is left behind.
How Can I Learn More?
There are four great ways you can learn more about our team and the activity. First, come to our meetings! They're held most days of the week (except Monday) after school in the Media Center.
Second, check out our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information on important and commonly posed questions. It's a great resource for a quick skim.
Third, if you're curious as to the different kinds of events we compete in, take a gander at our Events page for detailed explanations! Speech and debate are quite different, and the events in both of those categories are unique as well, so it's good to feel out what you might be interested in. There's really a niche for everyone!
And fourth, check out this website! To get an account here (totally free) just Sign Up and wait for your request to be approved. Your request will be approved if we can confirm you are an RHS student, family member of an RHS student, or an RHS alumni. If there's any hold up on your account request, just stop by one of our meetings and ask to be approved! Getting an account gives you access to a ton of great resources, tutorials, research, and more! And if you have any questions that this website doesn't answer, feel free to email us as well!