How to Join the High School Debate Club

Debate teams give high school students a chance to discuss and argue some of today's most important issues. Debate team competitions are verbal sparring matches that allow students to articulate their feelings on current issues that plague the nation and the world. If you are verbally gifted, then you should consider joining the debate team.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Find out if your school already has a debate club. Find out when sign-ups are taking place and put in your name to join.

2. Start up a debate club at your school. Some high schools no longer have debate teams. If this is the case with your high school, start up a new one. Find out if there is interest among the student body and speak to the administration about getting a team together.

3. Practice debating with friends and family. Before you start debating with the team, practice your argument skills with others. Learn how to argue both sides of an issue: the pros and the cons.

4. Learn about the format of a debate. A debate involves offering your side of an issue, giving a rebuttal to the oppositions' arguments and also giving closing statements.

5. Join a high school debate team to enhance a college application. A student that belongs to the debate team is going to stand out among other college applicants.

Tips & Warnings

• Urban debate teams are making a comeback in numerous city school districts. They use traditional debating methods along with modern twists, like rapping, in competitions.
• You need to be a strong public speaker to join a debate team. You are often going to be in front of large audiences presenting your point of view.