The courses also develop and reinforce strong critical thinking skills and more disciplined approaches to argumentation.
“My biggest takeaway from the class was to consider and analyze others’ perspectives,” said Grace Petrov ’24. “It allowed me to navigate debates, make assertions at the precise moments and articulate ideas that would either support or negate an argument.”
For Talia Granick ’21, the class served as meaningful preparation for facing real-life challenges head-on. “Not only does it throw you into super-uncomfortable situations and force you to think on your feet, but also it teaches you so much about understanding multiple sides to every argument,” she said.
And — particularly important in today’s fractured political climate — the discipline’s norms make a solid case for civil discourse.
“I appreciate the recognition that debate does not mean raising one’s voice or name-calling but, rather, delivering assertions calmly, rationally and with support, logic and justification,” Westbrook said. “Developmentally, teenagers are challenged to see this. I believe Speech and Debate helps with their self-awareness.”