Speech and Debate

Latin's Speech & Debate program develops students’ self-confidence, grows them as leaders, and teaches them to construct arguments effectively.

Charlotte Latin School has earned charter status in the National Speech & Debate Association.

Charter status is the highest honor for high schools in the NSDA. The award is based on team participation. We analyze your team's points earned via competition and service compared to your overall school enrollment and recognize the schools who have demonstrated a strong commitment to speech and debate activities. We're thrilled to celebrate your team! Your charter status demonstrates increased student confidence, vital critical thinking skill, and students finding their voices with the help of incredible coaching.

The Speech and Debate program offers a range of courses and tournament competition in a variety of speech and debate events for both Middle and Upper School students.

Speech and Debate is not just about winning arguments — it’s about empowering students with lifelong skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Through structured debates and public speaking experiences, students develop critical thinking, confidence, and the ability to articulate ideas with clarity and poise. They learn to research effectively, listen actively, and engage in civil discourse, which are essential skills for success in academics, leadership, and life.Bilal Butt
Director of Speech and Debate Program

Team Competition

Academic Courses

Introduction to Speech and Debate
No prerequisite; open to grades 9-12
Students in their first year of Speech and Debate competition may enroll in this yearlong elective course. The curriculum provides basic skills for each of the various Speech and Debate events. Students enhance their abilities in researching and arguing public policy issues, improve as persuasive speakers, and develop their writing and performance skills. Students must choose at least one event to make their focus for tournament competition. Enrollment in the course requires participation in two tournaments over the course of the year.

Advanced Speech & Advanced Debate
Prerequisite: Introduction to Speech and Debate, Middle School coursework, or tournament experience with instructor permission
Open to grades 10-12

This course may be taken yearlong or for one semester. The course provides intensive tournament preparation for students continuing their participation in Speech and Debate events. Enrolled students must attend six tournaments over the course of the year or three tournaments over the course of a semester. Students must also attend a National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) National Qualifying tournament (and if qualified, NSDA Nationals) each spring. During the class period, students receive individual and group coaching in preparation for upcoming tournaments.

In 2025, Charlotte Latin was honored with membership in the National Speech and Debate Association’s prestigious 200 Club. This award recognizes the school's commitment to teach students essential life skills, including communication, research, listening, writing, and organization skills.

Learning about Speech and Debate in this program has helped me learn about what is going on in our world outside of school, ultimately increasing my knowledge and making me more aware of what the real world is likeUpper School Student

Middle School Program

Speech and Debate Course

Open to both seventh and eighth graders, this yearlong course challenges students to think critically, speak confidently, and discuss civilly. Students will use class time to write and research their topics while the teacher and peers provide direct feedback on style, writing, logic, and delivery. Competitive Middle School Speech and Debate students may also be awarded the opportunity to travel and compete with the Upper School team.

“Learning about Speech and Debate in this course has been a very fun learning experience that has helped me grow not just in debating and public speaking, but also when I have a writing assignment in my other classes. Also, Speech and Debate has helped to further my vocabulary and improve my grades in other classes.” - Middle School Student

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