Speech and Debate

Students in Speech and Debate have the opportunity to compete in a variety of events suited to their interests and strengths. 

Joining Speech and Debate can offer several benefits for your child. It enhances public speaking and critical thinking skills, helps you become more confident in expressing your ideas, and fosters the ability to argue persuasively. Additionally, it provides a platform to engage with various topics, improves your research skills, and offers opportunities for personal growth and networking.

Mehlville competes in the Greater St. Louis Speech League (GSL) throughout the first semester. The team also competes in various tournaments put on by schools throughout the St. Louis area year-round. 

The events that students can compete in range from: 
  • Public Speaking
  • Interpretation
  • Lincoln-Douglas Debate
  • Policy Debate
  • Public Forum Debate
  • Original Oratory
  • Radio Broadcasting
  • Extemporaneous Speaking
  • Poetry Reading
  • Prose Reading
  • Dramatic Interpretation
  • Humorous Interpretation
  • Duo Interpretation
  • Student Congress 
A background in Speech and Debate can be valuable for a variety of careers. It's particularly beneficial for roles that involve communication, persuasion, and critical thinking. Some career options include law, politics, public relations, journalism, teaching, sales, marketing, diplomacy, and business leadership positions. 

The skills you develop in Speech and Debate, such as effective communication, research, and the ability to construct logical arguments, are highly transferable and can set you up for success in many different fields.

The team is open to any student. Any and all students are encouraged to join regardless of their skill and comfort level in public speaking. Please see Ms. Sophie Errante or email [email protected] for more information.

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The Mehlville School District strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or sex including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity and other characteristics protected by law. The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: contact Adam Smith at 314-467-5006 or [email protected].