Check out what's new this week, Coach!

Announcing the 2024-2025 Student Leadership Council! 

This spring, each district had the opportunity to nominate one student to serve on the NSDA Student Leadership Council. We reviewed the video essays from prospective students and selected the 2024-2025 SLC! Students will provide feedback on NSDA programs and offerings, as well as develop content and resources. Congratulations to the selected students! Returning members are marked with a star. 

NEW Lesson Plans! Start Here: Teaching High School Public Address

The new lesson plan collection features grab-and-go lessons to teach high school students how to do Informative Speaking or Original Oratory in class or after school. Lessons include a mix of activities, lectures, videos, and assessments. The best part? Everything is included with your NSDA membership! 

Working with younger students? Check out the middle school version! 

Interested in more general speech lessons? Check out the Intro to Public Speaking collection. 

Election Results: Competition and Rules Leadership Committee

Congratulations to the newly elected Competition and Rules Leadership Committee! The committee will be empowered to establish policies governing NSDA competition rules and event procedures. Elections were held for seats in four regions: California, East/Northeast, Northern Midwest, and Northwest/Northwest Central. One advisor per active NSDA school in each of the four regions was eligible to vote. Learn more about the new standing committee »

Read the Competition Rules Board Meeting Agenda

The Competition Rules Board of Directors will meet on May 7 to discuss the scouting rule, strategic realignment, the National Tournament Adjudication Panel process, and onboarding for the new CR Leadership Committee. We invite you to review their agenda and send any comments to board@speechanddebate.org. 

New Video: Big Questions Round Introduction

As debaters compete in the final round of Big Questions, this video pauses the round to explain key terms, speech times and purposes, and strategies as the elements unfold on screen.

It's a great way to explain the event to students, or learn the ins and outs yourself! 

Interested in more like this? Check out the round introductions for Public Forum and Congressional Debate! 

Explore Meals, Attractions, and Discounts for Nationals in Des Moines

Making plans to attend Nationals? Visit the Catch Des Moines website to learn how you can experience the diversity of Greater Des Moines, and check out discounts at some popular restaurants and attractions.

Searching for more suggestions? Explore our local staff's recommendations! 

Releasing Extra Nationals Hotel Rooms

If you booked extra hotel rooms from the National Tournament block, please release them as soon as you know they are not needed to ensure other teams are able to select space at the venues that work best for them!  

Apply for a Road to Nationals Grant

Are you and your team headed to Nationals? If so, apply today for a grant from the Road to Nationals Fund founded by The William Woods Tate, Jr. Memorial Fund. These grants support teams who need financial assistance and can be used for food, travel, and lodging expenses. High school teams can receive grants ranging from $100 to $1,000, with average grants of $500. Apply today »

Recognize Your Graduates with NSDA Honor Cords

NSDA students are eligible to wear honor cords at graduation and induction ceremonies. Honor cords demonstrate membership in our Honor Society and, for many, the opportunity to wear them is an enticing part of membership.

School policies vary—check with your administration about whether your students can wear honor cords, and share our letter to help make the case. 

Share Your Plans for Next Year

Are you retiring? Leaving coaching? Changing schools? If you're making a change for the 2024-2025 school year, share the details with us! That way we can continue to support your speech and debate program by advocating for or onboarding your replacement. 

Questions? We're here to help! Email info@speechanddebate.org or call (920) 748-6206.

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