BUILDING BOLD SPEAKERS
Who Is Empire?
Empire Speech and Debate is an exclusive speech and debate club that serves local Christian homeschooled students.
Through a parent partnership we equip the students of today to be effective world changers and quality leaders of tomorrow.
Benefits.
ACADEMIC BENEFITS
+ Critical Thinking
Debate can increase critical thinking skills by as much as 44% (Akerman, 2011). Students learn to think analytically and logically.
+ Advanced Research Skills
Debaters who have later obtained advanced degrees say that their research efforts for high school debate were much more challenging than those required for their law degree, masters thesis, or dissertation (Parcher, 1998).
+ Higher Grades & Test Scores
Students who participate in debate on average score 25% higher than their peers (Mezuk, 2010). Debaters also score better on the SAT and ACT than their peers (Fine, 2001).
+ Confidence in Public Speaking
The #1 fear in America is public speaking, yet students who participate in debate learn to love public speaking and enjoy it. Debate teaches students to be organized, have persuasive delivery, and demonstrate confidence when addressing large groups of people.
CAREER BENEFITS
+ Scholarships
Many colleges around the country offer scholarships to students for debate. These can range in value from a few thousand dollars to a full ride, depending on the institution.
+ College Success
Surveys indicate that over 98% of debaters attend college (Billman & Christensen, 2008). In addition, debate teaches students to be self-directed and motivated, ensuring success while pursuing higher education. One survey found that of 703 former debaters, 209 had more than one advanced degree. Additionally, four in ten had law degrees, four in ten had masters degrees and two in ten had a Ph.D. or other doctoral degree (Matlon).
+ Notable Careers
One survey found that of students who debated, 30% became university educators, 15% were top corporate executives and 10% were working in various branches of government. Others entered the clergy, started their own businesses, or became writers and publishers (Matlon). In fact, over 80% of all current members of congress competed at their school’s debate team (Swanson).
SPIRITUAL BENEFITS
+ Leadership & Character
Students who participate in debate become natural leaders. They learn to think for themselves, and communicate well with others. They also become responsible for their own success and typically go above and beyond what the teacher requires. One study found that high school debate decreased disciplinary problems among participants by 50 percent (Glanton, 2005).
+ Defense of Faith
Today’s students will soon become witnesses to those they encounter at college or the workplace. While it is crucial that the next generation have a strong Christian worldview, it is also important for them to be able to both communicate and defend this worldview. Debate allows these young adults to learn and hone their communication skills in a friendly, Christian environment.
+ Respect for Others
Competing in debate requires students to learn to respectfully disagree with opponents. Students learn how to listen to those who disagree with them, and have intelligent, respectful dialogues on controversial issues.
Club Details.
Eligibility
Students Must:
*Be an Active Stoa Member. Register Here.
*Agree With Stoa’s Statement of Faith Seen Here.
*Be Ages 12 – 18 On October 1st of the Current Season.
*Be Homeschooled (No Charter Or Private School)
*Not Be Enrolled Full Time at Any College. Running Start students are permitted.
Participation and Requirements.
Empire is a competitive club, not a recreational club. As such, all students who join are expected to attend a minimum of 4 tournaments per year and are required to work toward the goal of competing nationally at the National Invitational Tournament of Champions (NITOC).
Parent participation is also required. At least one parent should attend club each week and be available to help in coaching and giving feedback to students.
Parents are also expected to judge or work at tournaments and to help at any tournaments Empire hosts.
Club Meetings and Schedule
Empire meets weekly on Tuesdays during the school year, September through May.
Club time is broken Into multiple segments.
Segment A
3:30pm – 5:30pm
Club Dinner
5:30pm – 6:00pm
Segment B
6:00pm – 8:00pm
We currently meet at
Sonrise Christian Center.
11625 Airport Rd
Everett Wa. 98204
Speech Categories.
These are the categories of which we train and compete in within Stoa Speech and Debate.
Limited Preparation
Competitors get a limited time to prepare for a speech on a topic that is given to them at the speech event. Preparation before the tournament is described in the event rules.
Apologetics
In Apologetics, the competitor is given four (4) minutes to prepare a persuasive and reasoned speech that defends a tenet of the Christian faith and explains why that principle matters.
Extemporaneous
In Extemporaneous speaking, the competitor answers a given question based on recent events in the news. The competitor researches national and international current events and may create reference files of newsworthy information. Extemporaneous speech should be regarded as a demonstration of personal knowledge on the topic, as well as an original synthesis of numerous sources.
Mars Hill Impromptu
In Mars Hill Impromptu, the competitor uses books, movies, and other genre to discuss the appeal and impact of the theme(s) within the topic, holding them up in light of Christian truth found in the Bible. This event is intended for competitors 14 and older or with the consent of the parents due to mature themes in some topics.
Platform
A prepared speech, written by the competitor, with the purpose of informing, exposing, or persuading on a topic.
Expository Speaking
An Expository is a prepared speech written by the competitor which explains and illustrates a topic through both words and visuals (e.g. illustrated boards, physical props, digital and electronic presentations, or any combination).
Original Oratory
An Original Oratory is a prepared speech, written by the competitor, on a topic of the competitor’s choice. The purpose of this informative speech is to explain, describe, or expose the topic.
Persuasive
A Persuasive speech is a prepared speech, written by the competitor, which advocates a specific position or course of action.
Interpretive
In all interpretive events, competitors write or select and analyze literature. They bring it to life through the creative use of voice, movement and facial expression, without the aid of costumes or props.
Duo Interpretation
In Duo Interpretation two competitors create an original rendition of a story from one or more selection(s) of literature which captivates and moves the audience.
Humorous Interpretation
In Humorous Interpretation the competitors tell relatable stories using humor as a device to connect with the audience from a single published work. Stand-up comedy or telling a series of jokes without a corresponding plot is not Humorous Interpretation.
Open Interpretation
In Open Interpretation selections may be in the whole range from dramatic to humorous genres, including narrative storytelling, single voice monologues, thematic compilations or self-written pieces.
Dramatic Interpretation
In Dramatic Interpretation the competitor, using a play, short story, or other published work, performs a selection with a spotlight on character development and depth which captivates and moves the audience.
Wild Card
New and unique speech events that are offered on a two-year rotation meant to challenge competitors in their preparation and presentation skills.
Interp in a Box 2022 – 2024
The Interp in a Box is an original rendition by the competitor of a relatable story from a single published work of
literature with a focus on plot and character development which captivates and moves the audience, using props to emphasize the
interpretation. The presentation may range from dramatic to humorous genres; however, stand-up comedy or telling a series of jokes
without a corresponding plot is not an interpretation
Debate Categories.
These are the categories of which we train and compete in within Stoa Debate.
Team Policy
2023 Resolved: The United States Federal Government should substantially reform its energy policy.
Lincoln Douglas Value
This year there will be three separate resolutions debated at different time intervals.
Fall 2023 Resolved: A free press ought to prioritize objectivity over advocacy.
Debated 9/1/2023-1/31/2024
Spring Resolution will be announced 12/1/2023
Debated 2/1/2024-3/31/2024
Last Resolution will be announced 3/13/2024
Debated 4/1/2024 – NITOC 2024
Parliamentary
Resolutions are announced/released prior to the beginning of each round.
Parliamentary debate is an activity in which teams of two students debate one another in an extemporaneous form of debate in which their topic is given just minutes prior to the round. Parliamentary debate asks competitors to develop and defend positions on a wide range of issues that could be fact, value, policy or scenario in nature. Parliamentary debate (aka Parli) not only relies on quick thinking but also on an accumulation of general knowledge on a broad range of subjects.
The purpose of Parliamentary debate is to instill in Christian home school students the skills of presentation, critical thinking, research, and analysis of current events. That endeavor should only be accomplished in an environment of honorable competition that cultivates maturity, wisdom, grace, poise, and brings glory to our Lord Jesus Christ.
Contribute.
Volunteer
Empire is part of a national competitive league and actively competes at local tournaments.
The success of these tournaments and training for our young people is centered around volunteers and community members who donate and serve with their time. The most valuable investment you could make into Stoa and any club is to find local tournament and volunteer to judge any speech or debate rounds. No experience is necessary as we provide the needed training at the beginning and throughout the entire event.
See where you can serve by checking the Calendar of Tournament Events Here.
Donate
Empire utilizes parent and donor support to help fund coaching, travel, and tournament fees. Empire is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. You will receive a donation receipt for your tax deductible contribution.
Pray
The most significant investment you can make is in the prayer covering of our families. With travel, health, and provision for all the needs of the club and its tournaments we highly value your prayers.
Application.
Where to Start
Admittance into Empire is based on the student’s application and an interview with the Empire Board.
Applications for each season will be available in the Spring. Please submit your email address below if you are interested in applying for any future openings within Empire Speech and Debate.
Application does not guarantee a spot within the club.