Speech & Debate Programs

Debate Events

NCFCA has established a program of formal debate with the ultimate goal of training young people to be able to think critically and communicate effectively about all issues in a manner that pleases God.

Two styles of debate are offered in NCFCA: Team Policy (TP) Debate and Lincoln Douglas (LD) Value Debate. Both styles of debate build similar skills. Students over 15 years old may also choose to compete in Moot Court throughout the season.

All NCFCA debaters learn research skills, respectful argumentation, refutation, organization and, most importantly, good communication and speaking skills.

In a debate tournament, each side will take turns advocating and opposing the resolution in a series of different rounds so that competitors thoroughly learn all the issues involved in the debate topic, as well as the skills to both advocate for and oppose a proposition without compromising their own beliefs.

NCFCA debate encourages a conversational style of speech and uses feedback from community judges as well as debate coaches and parents to ensure that competitors learn how to communicate to a varied audience.

Team Policy (TP)

A team of two debaters proposes a specific plan to accomplish the goal stated in the resolution while another team of two debaters opposes the plan and/or the resolution. This form of debate simulates argumentation in a legislative body.

2022 Resolution: The United States Federal Government should significantly reform its policy regarding convicted prisoners under federal jurisdiction.

Lincoln-Douglas (LD)

One debater affirms the resolution while another opposes or negates it, demonstrating a clash of competing but morally defensible values. This style of debate simulates the famous debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas.

2022 Resolution: In the context of innovation, the proactionary principle ought to be valued above the precautionary principle.

Speech Events

Although speech events may vary each season, NCFCA offered ten individual speech events this year which are divided into three main categories: Limited Preparation Speaking, Interpretive Speaking, and Platform Speaking. Each of these categories offers distinct opportunities for students to develop their communication skills.

Limited Preparation Speeches

Apologetics

A limited preparation speech in which the speaker draws a topic and is given four minutes to prepare a six-minute, well-reasoned defense of the tenets of the Christian faith.

Extemporaneous

A limited preparation event where the speaker is given twenty minutes to analyze news and other sources while preparing a seven-minute, evidence-based speech on a current event topic.

Impromptu

A limited preparation speech in which the speaker is given two minutes to prepare a five-minute speech on a drawn topic.

Interpretive Speeches

Biblical Presentation

An interpretative speech in which the speaker creatively develops one or two selections of Scripture to present a unique and original performance using a visual aid, if desired.