Hugh Downs School Invitational Speech and Debate Tournament
Event description
More than 1600 high school students from around the country will compete in Arizona State University's Hugh Downs School of Human Communication Invitational speech and debate tournament on Jan. 6–8 in Tempe, the largest tournament in Arizona.
Representing more than 125 schools in 19 states, the students are members of the National Speech & Debate Association, formerly the National Forensic League.
Debates are a great way for high school students to get involved in class. Students have to research topics, prepare for the debate with their team, and think on their feet as they practice public speaking.
The bulk of the competition will take place Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 7 and 8. Final rounds will be held on Sunday, Jan. 8, with anywhere from 16 to 30 finalists. A complete schedule of events during the tournament is available here.