2026-27 Speech and Debate Info

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GREEN CHARTER SPEECH & DEBATE TEAM
2026 – 2027 SEASON INFO 
 

Aug. 19

Aug. 26
Paperwork and first semester payments required.

Sept. 9

Deadline to register your student for the Eastside Novice Tournament taking place Sept. 19

Sept. 16th - optional dinner meet up after practice. This is just to have some fun team hangout time before our first tournament. 

Sept. 19th - First tournament 
Eastside Novice Tournament @ Eastside High School
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WHAT IS SPEECH & DEBATE?
Speech & Debate builds life-long confidence, public speaking, critical thinking,
and leadership skills. We compete under National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA)
in South Carolina, competing alongside middle & high schoolers across our district.

EVENTS OFFERED
• Novice Events: Novice Reading, Expository, Declamation
• Advanced Events: Informative, Humorous Interpretation, Duo Interpretation,
  Prose, Impromptu, Children's Literature

We currently do not offer debate. Students interested in debate are encouraged to compete in impromptu speaking.

Event Descriptions:

Reading & Interpretation Events

• Novice Reading: A foundational event for new competitors. Students read a prepared story or excerpt from a binder without the pressure of full memorization. 

• Children's Literature: Students bring stories written for young audiences to life using expressive voice and body language.

• Prose: An expressive reading of a piece of fiction or non-fiction prose, focusing on storytelling, vocal characterization, and dramatic impact.

• Humorous Interpretation (HI): A high-energy, fully memorized comedic performance where a single student plays one or multiple characters using distinct voices and physical movement.

• Duo Interpretation: A dynamic, fully memorized performance by two partners acting out a humorous or dramatic scene without directly looking at or touching each other.

Public Speaking & Original Events

• Declamation: Students deliver a memorized speech originally written and given by someone else, focusing on strong delivery, persuasion, and conviction.

• Expository: A clear, informative, fully memorized speech designed to explain a specific topic, concept, or object to the audience.

• Informative: An engaging, well-researched speech created to educate the audience on a complex real-world topic, often accompanied by visual aids.

• Impromptu: An spontaneous event where students choose a prompt on the spot, get 5 minutes to organize their thoughts, and deliver a short speech.

KEY TEAM HIGHLIGHTS & EXPECTATIONS
• Team Dues: $220/year (covers NSDA membership & tournament fees).
• Competitions: New students compete in at least 2 tournaments; returning
  students compete in 3+.
• Parent Involvement: At least one parent/guardian signs up to judge a minimum
  of 2 tournaments per season.
• Practice & Conduct: High standards for preparation, attendance, and maturity.
  No video games allowed at practices or tournaments.

SPECIAL NOTE FOR PROSPECTIVE NEW STUDENTS
Roster spots for new students are limited to self-motivated, mature students.
All interested students complete a brief application, submit an educator recommendation, and attend a student/parent meeting prior to joining to ensure the team is a great fit. Teacher recommendation form link can be downloaded here.