Success beyond the trophy case: Speech, debate program builds skills along with champions

This paid piece is sponsored by Bishop O’Gorman Schools.

Two National Grand Champions.

Numerous top six national finalists.

A team ranked in the top 2 percent of the nation.

But even those impressive results only begin to tell the story of O’Gorman High School’s speech and debate team.

While it might be an unfamiliar extracurricular activity for some high school parents, the national-caliber team makes a lifelong impact on students.

“The way the activity is set up, it builds confidence,” said Teresa Fester, head coach of O’Gorman’s speech team. “They find purpose and a role in which they can play when being part of a large team. They have personal goals as well as team goals, which is a great mindset when looking into future careers or becoming a member in a new community.”

The best way to describe what a speech team does would be “competitive acting.”

Participants find a script, whether it be a play, a monologue or even a TEDtalk, and then edit the script to a 10-minute performance. They dress in their best business attire and present that performance to judges during three preliminary rounds and one final round of competition with other competitors from across the state. Individuals also earn points for the team, and whichever team earns the most points is ranked in their division.

Performances can be funny, dramatic, informative or persuasive. Teams compete almost every weekend from October through February. Constructive feedback is given by every judge, which allows competitors to grow during the season in hopes of increasing their ranks.

This original speech by O’Gorman’s Shelby Bloomer won third place in the nation in original oratory in 2013. 

“It is a place for them to develop their voice and learn from others. When you go into one single round of competition, you walk out having learned about four to six other stories or information,” Fester said. “You gain knowledge and learn about people and history, all while being entertained. Students also develop leadership skills. Speaking and listening are the skills that will benefit them for life and they are embracing them at an early stage.”

With dozens of tournaments each year, there are plenty of chances to become comfortable with constructive criticism, public speaking and working as a team. Those lessons have extended past the walls of O’Gorman for many former competitors.

Shilpa Chandran graduated in 2011 and was a National Champion in Original Oratory at the National Catholic Forensics League and a State Superior Performer in Drama. After high school, she went on to Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., graduated with a bachelor’s degree in international business and finance, and went on to earn her MBA. She works at a management consulting firm in New York City.

“As a consultant, I’m always speaking with people to listen, to connect, to persuade. Speech helped me for those moments when I needed to present my work or persuade someone of a certain idea,” she said.

“More indirectly, it also helped me listen actively, practice empathy and really understand the people I’m speaking to. Both sets of skills are invaluable in my job today.”

And that has proven true for many of the graduates of the O’G speech and debate programs. Other former competitors have gone on to attend West Point Military Academy, become opera singers, been crowned Miss South Dakota or started their own businesses. All attribute some part of their achievements to their history in O’Gorman speech and debate.

“Each person in speech and debate has a reason. Students also learn how to analyze and embrace feedback and constructive criticism in order to better themselves,” Fester said.

A speech background “was enormously helpful after high school,” Chandran added.

“It gave me the skill set to tackle any sort of public speaking role, the confidence to speak up in different environments and a network of support for when I needed it most.”

For many, the highlight of their speech careers wasn’t the first-place finishes or competing on a national level. It was being a part of a team that became more like a family and forming bonds that have extended far beyond their time at O’Gorman.

“It introduced me to such great people! My teammates in speech were so hilarious, kind and fun — and I’m not sure that I would’ve gotten to know them so well without this team,” Chandran said.

If your student is looking for an extracurricular activity, encourage them to give speech and debate a try, Fester suggested.

It could lead to better public speaking, the ability to better handle constructive criticism and even new friendships. It just might help them to achieve futures they never thought possible.

“I think the reason for our success is several things. There is a sense of belonging. The emphasis is not on being the best but being part of a team that is passionate about telling stories, sharing ideas and connecting with others,” she said.

“Seeing graduates meeting for dinner years later to catch up or attending each other’s weddings or other life events … that says we have done something right.”

For information on O’Gorman High School and all of its activities, please call 605-575-3358.