They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
Here at Oaks, we believe in investing in what lasts, and we believe that the skills learned in speech and debate last a lifetime.
Andrew Peterson sums this up in the end of his song “Planting Trees”:
So many years from now
Long after we are gone…
These trees will spread their branches out
And bless someone
In Lincoln-Douglas, one debater affirms the resolution while another opposes or negates it, demonstrating a clash of competing but morally defensible values. This style of debate simulates the famous debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas. A typical round takes about 40 minutes.
In Team Policy, a team of two debaters proposes a specific plan to accomplish the goal stated in the resolution while another team of two debaters opposes the plan and/or the resolution. This form of debate simulates argumentation in a legislative body. A typical round takes about 1 hour 20 minutes.
A team of two debaters presents legal arguments to appeal the decision in a fictional court case while an opposing team of two students responds with legal arguments to defend the fictional decision. This form of debate is designed to simulate oral argument before an appellate court. A typical round takes about 45 minutes.
Digital Presentation is an original platform speech that informs or persuades and is accompanied by digital visual aids.
Informative is an original platform speech that explains a significant topic.
Persuasive is an original platform speech that influences the audience to consider a particular point of view or course of action.
Biblical Thematic is an interpretation speech in which the speaker creatively develops a Biblical theme using three or more literature selections with one or more visual aids.
Duo is an interpretation speech in
which two speakers explore a published literature selection and develop a
unique, original performance.
Open is an interpretation speech in which the speaker explores a published literature selection and develops a unique, original performance.
Original is an interpretation speech in which the speaker brings a single original or derivative work to life.
Apologetics is a limited preparation speech in which the speaker
draws a topic and is given four minutes to prepare a six-minute speech
that presents a well-reasoned defense of basic tenets of the Christian
faith.
Extemporaneous is a limited preparation speech in
which the speaker is assigned a current event topic and given twenty
minutes to analyze news and other sources while preparing a seven
minute, evidence-based speech.
Impromptu is a limited preparation speech in which the speaker draws a topic and is given two minutes to prepare a unique and meaningful five-minute speech.
We are affiliated with the National Christian Forensics and Communications Association (NCFCA). Visit NCFCA's website to learn more.
Visit NCFCA's YouTube channel to watch speeches from National Champions in past years. Training videos are also available.
We want to make sure that Oaks is a good fit for your family before you join. Find out all the benefits and qualifications for membership.
2023 Fall Meeting Dates: Aug. 25, Sept. 8 & 22, Oct. 6 & 20, Nov. 3 & 17, and Dec. 1
2024 Spring Meeting Dates: TBD
Agenda for Typical Club Meetings
Alternating Fridays starting August 25, 2023 |
11:45 am ArrivalDress code: business casual |
12:00 pm Debate1 hour instruction & 1 hour debating |
2:00 pm Announcements/DevotionAll club members |
2:15 pm SpeechMentor groups and breakout rooms for speech practice |
4:00 pm Clean-upAll families are asked to assist with cleaning and resetting rooms before leaving. |