It is a few weeks before the first speech and debate tournament for Lincoln’s speech and debate club, and students prepare by practicing speeches, polishing up arguments, and finalizing statements.

According to the National Speech and Debate Association, the first speech and debate club was founded in 1925 by Bruno E. Jacob. Jacob hoped that the club would motivate students to sharpen their speaking skills. 

Yuni Cotik, Co-Vice President of Speech and Debate here at Lincoln, believes that debate helps enforce useful skills.

“Confidence is a huge one. [Class] presentations are no problem anymore. Raising my hand in class [is] no problem anymore,” said Cotik.

As well as sharpening skills, the speech and debate club brings students together. Senior Julia Lim is one of the co-presidents of speech and debate.

Lim appreciated the opportunity to be involved in speech and debate since middle school, “I’ve really made friends with upperclassmen,” said Lim,  “with the underclassmen, with middle schoolers even, […] So I feel like I’ve just gained a lot of community through it.” 

Students who participate in speech and debate often discuss current events and delve deeper into topics featured in headlines. 

“[It] gives me hope because you see so many kids that actually care about all these societal issues, and that’s really inspiring,” says Cotik.

If students are interested in joining, they can find more information on Lincoln’s speech and debate Instagram: @lincoln_speech_and_debate. Or find their booth at the club fair next year!