High school debate team too intense?
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Anonymous
+1000 |
Anonymous
| I debated through high school and college (not policy) one level out from the national competitive level (I was good, but not at that level, we could win/place at a regional ). It was intense, yes, and I greatly appreciated the community and the research skills it gave me. I did marry a debater, and we still have a community of alums 20+ years later. That said, it definitely affected my choices in college (I either missed or eventually did not take classes Friday, took away from my weekend work, etc.). If your kid is committed, let them do it. |
Anonymous
+1 really helped DS. He's in a STEM major in college now, and he's told me that debate really helped him, not just with the writing, but when meeting with recruiters at the college fairs. |
Anonymous
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There are different formats of debate, both in high school and college. Policy debate is definitely hard-core, competitive, stressful, and promotes spreading. But there are other formats of debate (e.g., Lincoln-Douglas, although I think that that format isn't nearly as common now, public forum, parliamentary). If debate is something your kid is interested in pursuing in college, take a look at the programs out there and look for schools that offer more than just policy.
Speech (individual events) is another great way to gain many of the same skills, i.e., public speaking, speaking on your feet, etc. |
Anonymous
| It's normal. High school debate is very intense. For kids who are competitive and intense by nature, it is great. The kids who love it and do it well love the intensity. A couple of my best friends are from high school debate (my school, other schools, summer debate camps). |
Anonymous
| I tried debate in college and I stopped when I discovered that just talking really really fast was a major part of the competition. |
Anonymous
+1000 |
redquasar
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| For those of you who are adverse to intense activities in high school, did any of you attend a top-tier college? I only ask because almost all top-notch careers early on require intense dedication pressure, problem-solving. Whether you are in debates, or sports, have to learn how to start dealing with pressure. |
Anonymous
Yes, I attended a top 10 university. I was not involved in debate but my sister was heavily invested so I saw a lot of what was going on. I personally thought it was a waste of time. The speed-talking is especially ridiculous, because the skills you are building have no real-world application. My sister eventually decided it was a toxic experience after-the-fact, but she was too invested and the coach pressured her to stay on the team. It's fine for kids who enjoy it, and there's nothing wrong with building skills that have no real-world application per se, but there are better ways to build skills and character for those who don't actually enjoy it. |
Anonymous
| I have a kid who is interested in mock trial, and I was curious if mock trial is also as intense as debate? I am the PP right above whose sister found debate toxic. I would like to avoid such a culture if possible. Can anyone with experience comment? |
Anonymous
I wish they would do something about this. For instance, why is there a need to have “points” and declare winners/losers? Couldn’t they just make debate a non-competitive activity? |
Anonymous
Agree; perhaps find a pathway to acknowledging everyone worked really hard on their presentation. And at the end of the day they are all winners. |
Anonymous
| Can someone explain the fast talking? Is the goal just to make as many points as possible? |
Anonymous
Yes. The result is pretty silly. Go on YouTube and look up "debate spreading" for entertaining examples. The idea is to make so many arguments that your opponent cannot address them all. |
Anonymous
Yes |