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.

2024-2025 Resolution: The United States Federal Government should significantly reform its foreign policy toward one or more of the following Central American countries: Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica.

Check out the League's Resolution Introduction Paper for more information about this year's TP resolution.

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.

2024-2025 Resolution: In combat, the use of automation should be valued above the use of military personnel.

Check out the League's Resolution Introduction Paper for more information about this year's LD resolution.

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. Speech descriptions are taken from NCFCA's materials.

Limited Preparation Speeches

Speakers draw two topic options in each competition round and have a limited amount of time to prepare a speech on one of the topics.

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 and thoughtful application of the basic tenets of the Christian faith.

Extemporaneous

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

Impromptu

A limited preparation speech in which the speaker is given two minutes to prepare and five-minutes to present a unique and meaningful speech on a topic drawn from abstract words, phrases, quotations, or table topics.

Interpretive Speeches

Speakers explore literature selections to creatively develop and present an original performance.

Biblical Thematic

This interpretative speech explores three or more literature selections, developing a Biblical theme through Scripture and visual aid(s). Literature selections can include Scripture, plays, prose, songs, or poetry and must be explored to develop a biblical theme.