In a world where your voice, words, and opinions can make such a difference, Rocky’s Speech and Debate team offers the opportunity to learn life long skills and make connections. Co Captain of the club, Desmond Rietz, offered insight into the impact that this club can give students, starting with learning public speaking skills, building confidence, and making life-long friends.
A common misconception about speech and debate is that the students involved are “nerds.”
“I think there’s a big misconception that speech and debate is like the super hard thing that only super smart people do, but I think it’s just anyone who has a strong opinion on anything can do it and be competitive about it,” Desmond explained.
Students should consider participating in speech and debate if they want to get their point across or learn how to communicate better on topics that are important to them.
Desmond said his favorite parts of being on the team are that he is very passionate about speech and debate, but the community is endlessly important to him.
“Not only do I have great friends with the team, you know, but when you go to a speech and debate tournament, it’s not like any other sport where you hate the other team. I’m talking to all of these people from around Northern Colorado and learning about them and supporting them and cheering them on.”
He went on to say that this is how he has made some of his best friends. His description of this community and mutual respect for others gave a glimpse of what participation might mean to other students.
Speech and debate also helps with people skills and reduces the anxiety and stigma around public speaking. While they may compete individually, they really are a team and learn to work together.
Another important detail Desmond emphasized was the importance of knowing what speech and debate truly is.
“I think that speech and debate is such a big opportunity to talk about the things that you love or you hate about the world or you love and you hate about your own life.”
He values having the ability to talk about what’s important to him and how rewarding it can be to express his opinions to an audience.
He mentioned seeing his peers grow and mature through speech and debate and gaining skills that set them up for success in college, future careers, and everyday life.
If this sounds appealing to you, you can talk to Desmond or speech and debate coach Mr. DeMaret or just show up to a meeting in room 404. They meet every Tuesday and Thursday and doors are open for new members!
