Our Community
Speech & Debate.
You’ll have a say. Build confidence, poise and critical thinking, and compete with the best in the Bay Area.
You’ll have a say
Find your voice.
Speech & Debate develops confidence, poise, critical thinking and self-expression.
Speech students deliver polished orations and dramatic interpretations, solo or in pairs, at competitions around the Bay Area. Our Policy Debate team researches a nationally selected resolution and argues it with evidence in the Golden Gate Speech Association.
Over the last four years, both speech and debate students have qualified for state championship competitions.
Events
Pick your event.
We offer 14 events. Here are some of the most popular.
01
Policy Debate
A fast-paced test of research, analysis and strategy. Teams of two argue both sides of a resolution with high-quality evidence.
02
Congressional Debate
Models the U.S. legislative process: write, research and argue for or against bills.
03
Duo Interpretation
Two performers bring scenes from a film, book or play to life, with emotion, range and partner chemistry.
04
Dramatic Interpretation
A solo selection from a play, story or other published work, showing emotion and character development.
05
Humorous Interpretation
A comedic excerpt that shows off timing and the ability to play multiple characters.
06
Oratorical Interpretation
A performance of a previously delivered public speech, interpreting its original intent and meaning today.
07
Thematic Interpretation
Prose, poetry and drama woven together around a single theme.
08
Original Oratory
A self-written, ten-minute memorized speech on any topic, built on evidence, logic and emotional appeal.
Speech & Debate by the numbers.
#1
Policy Debate team in the Bay Area
65
students in Speech & Debate
6
national-level tournaments each year
400
words per minute from our fastest debater
Meet the coach
Alyssa Lucas-Bolin.
Coach Alyssa Lucas-Bolin leads Sonoma Academy’s Speech & Debate program.
Visit
Come see us compete.
The best way to understand an SA education is to see it in person. Join us for an Open House or Visit Day.