Speech and Debate is a fun and inspiring elective here at Chandler High School. Students who join the Speech and Debate program have opportunities to talk or express themselves in many different ways. Not only is the class welcoming, but the people who are part of this community are very supportive of each other. The members of this club can also gain valuable skills for school and life.

Speech and Debate members participate in interactive and exciting competitive events. The Speech and Debate tournaments are events where members make different speeches or debate arguments that they research and write themselves and compete against students from other high schools. Members say they like the freedom of being able to write and perform their own speeches and arguments. It is also fun to compete with other schools and to make new friends. Ayah Karriem, secretary of Chandler High’s Speech and Debate club agrees: “My favorite part of speech and debate is probably competing at tournaments.”

Some team members said participating in Speech and Debate has helped them to improve skills they may have struggled with in the past, particularly public speaking and live performance. Karla Barrios, another Chandler Speech and Debate team member stated, “I was able to learn how to perform better.” Students who have a tough time talking to a big crowd or to people face-to-face can use the experiences here to practice, helping them to gain social skills and build confidence. 

Overall, while public speaking may seem intimidating for introverted students, Chandler’s Speech and Debate team is warmly welcoming and willing to help you overcome these fears in a fun yet challenging environment. Olivia Dlott, freshman, explained, “My first impression of speech and debate was that it was fun and everyone was very accepting.”