2026-27 Speech and Debate Info

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GREEN CHARTER SPEECH & DEBATE TEAM
2026 – 2027 SEASON INFO 

Important dates.
Aug. 13 6:00pm
Virtual interest and info meeting
This meeting is a virtual meeting that will go over what our club is about, what our students learn, events that we offer, what tournaments will look like, parent and student requirements. We'll answer any questions at the end of the meeting. 
Link Here

Aug. 19
1st Practice 3:45 - 5:00
Parent Meeting 5:30 - 6:00
1100 brookfield blvd greenville sc
In person parents meeting is for any students joining the team, we will talk about needs and expectations of the year and accept paperwork for joining the team. 

Aug. 26
Paperwork and first semester payments required.

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 - CHRIST CHURCH EPISCOPAL 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.