On Jan. 25, the UHS Speech and Debate team competed in the Orange County Speech League in Fullerton against students from all over Orange County, earning top placements in multiple events. Over 20 students participated, some for their first time at an in-person competition. From argumentative debates to engaging speeches, students worked hard and brought home several awards. Additionally, sophomore Audrey Huang represented the team at Barkley Forum, a national tournament in Atlanta, competing against top students nationwide.
The tournament featured various events, including congressional debate, in which students acted as legislators and debated policy proposals. Competitors were required to analyze issues critically, construct strong arguments and respond to opposing views on the spot. To succeed, students depended on good research skills, confident public speaking and the ability to adapt quickly.
“In congressional debate, we simulate the legislative branch by arguing for or against pieces of legislation,” junior Anne Liu said. “Strong arguments alone aren’t enough; we must anticipate counterarguments, use rhetoric effectively and deliver persuasive speeches in just three minutes.”
Congressional debate is one of many events that demand both skill and preparation. Competitors focused on building strong arguments while improving their speaking techniques and developing quick thinking and persuasive communication. These skills are equally essential to be successful in other events, such as impromptu speaking and informative speaking, where adaptability and clear articulation of ideas are just as crucial.
“Impromptu and informative speaking go hand in hand,” junior Justin Wu said. “I often find examples in impromptu that work well for informative speeches and vice versa. While coaching others, I can jump into impromptu drills to stay prepared.”
Competing in multiple events takes more than strong speaking skills; it also demands leadership and organization. In addition to preparing for events, competitors contribute to a smooth tournament experience. From coaching teammates to solving logistical issues, students demonstrate the importance of collaboration and flexibility in a competitive setting.
“The most challenging part of the OCSL tournament was managing logistics, especially since it was OCSL’s first in-person event,” Wu said. “At one point, a public forum member contacted me about a conflict of interest with their judge. I quickly resolved it, but organizing warm-ups for the first time in person added another challenge.”
The Fullerton tournament highlighted the dedication and talent of the Speech and Debate team. Beyond awards, they gained valuable experiences, refining their skills for future competitions. Their ability to stay focused and handle challenges with resilience reflects the team’s strength and continued growth as they prepare for upcoming events.
