In Their Own Words…

What Members of Santa Rosa Touché Had to Say about speech and debate:

 What was the most valuable thing you learned?

 “As Jim Rohn said, "Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments." In speech, all three of those are there. You can't get anywhere without setting goals first, and goals will only remain goals until you have the discipline to just do it. And in speech, the accomplishments are inevitable. You will accomplish something; you might not get to nationals--in fact, you  might not even break at a single tournament--but you will learn, you will grow, and you will develop skills that you will use your whole life." ~ Jocelyn

“Learning to do an impromptu speech was the most valuable for me because making up a speech on the spot is a skill which is needed in all circumstances of life.” ~Anthony 

“I learned that nothing is impossible, that taking risks under the most terrifying circumstances is worth taking, even when you don’t know the outcome until the end.” ~Hallei

 “Along with learning a ton about energy policy, the most important thing I learned this year was to trust in God in all circumstances, good and bad.” ~Jeana

 “The most valuable thing that I learned would have to be how to prepare a speech quickly and efficiently and deliver it with confidence.” ~Jenna G.

 “To put my confidence and trust in the Lord and to lean on His strength in everything I do.” ~Alyssa M.

 "That you're never too young to learn.” ~Catie

 “This year definitely taught me some valuable sportsmanship qualities, and how to get along with other people, as well as furthering my ability to speak and think quickly. I also learned that the more you do debate, the more fun and less daunting it becomes.” ~Holly

 "I learned how to effectively and quasi-coherently convey my opinions." ~Jacob

 “I learned how it can be fun to work with a sibling.” ~Johnny

 “The most valuable things I gained were perspective of real world issues, and better analysis of arguments.” ~Reece

 "With God, all things are possible--I didn't think I could debate the people I went against but He made it possible and that gasoline is more expensive than I thought.” ~Carreen

 “I learned a ton of stuff this year, from what the free market is to plastic bags are made from oil.” ~Ryan

 “To work with other people. Well, plus public speaking.” ~Jesse

 “I learned how to communicate effectively.” ~Michael

  What did you find most enjoyable?

"I remember the point when I discovered that could, in fact, do this. Oh, that was a beautiful realization, and probably my best memory from speech last year." ~ Jocelyn

"The comfort and satisfaction of knowing I had actually accomplished something at each tournament. I also never appreciated and enjoyed sleep as much as I do now.” ~Hallei

 " I enjoyed making friends with all of the other competitors; some memories were made which even today still make me laugh at the thought.” ~Anthony

 “Getting to know and hanging out with all the amazing people on Touché and on other teams across California. We’ve made so many hysterical, unforgettably awesome memories!” ~Jeana

 “I really enjoyed all the advanced debate theory, and just being able to hang out with the debaters from all over the state at all the debate tournaments.” ~Jenna G.

 “Going to all the tournaments and getting to know everyone.” ~Alyssa M.

 “I enjoyed competing at the tournaments the most.  It was great fun doing my best, and then watching other people do their speeches.” ~Catie

 “Spending time with everyone! I loved sitting down with someone and having a good conversation, and even more so, joking around and laughing a lot.” ~Holly

 "The most enjoyable part of my debate experience has been to develop relationships with the other debaters; and to run counter-plans." ~Jacob

 “The car rides with Gary and Michael were my most enjoyable memories.” ~Johnny

 “I had lots of fun, but the thing that was most enjoyable was just being with everyone, fellowshipping with friends at tournaments, restaurants, class, and everywhere.” ~Reece

 “The most enjoyable part of debate was probably the way everyone supported each other, whether we did well or not; whether we qualified for Nationals or didn't win a single round, there was such an encouraging atmosphere.” ~Carreen

 “Going to tournaments and hanging out with everyone.” ~Ryan

 “Debating. I loved being behind the podium.” ~Jesse

 “The thing I enjoyed most was eating with the group.” ~Michael

Any advice for someone considering speech or debate?

“You might not ever learn to love speech, but you will learn to appreciate it. Do it, jump off the cliff. Who knows? Sure, you might fall, and yes, it might hurt. Get back up, do it again. And again. And again. Eventually, you'll learn that the falls don't hurt so much, and that getting up from the fall is the most important step you can take before you can rise above it. Do it; I can't think of a better way to learn that." ~ Jocelyn
 

“Definitely do it! Speech and debate are extremely valuable and fun (yes, I said fun!) activities. The skills learned and the friendships made are something that will last a lifetime.” ~ Jeana

“I would say do impromptu, it is a skill needed for every Christian man or women, also impromptu is a great skill for every debater and will make your presentation seem more polished.” ~ Anthony
         
”It’s a great way to meet new, fun, Christian people your age and an awesome opportunity to see what great talents are hidden in you. But you have to be prepared to give it your all, to accomplish the best outcome.” ~Hallei

  “I would strongly recommend it to anyone interested and even those who aren't. There will be so many times in daily life when you will be able to use the skills you learn from debate-- even if you don't become a lawyer!” ~Jenna

 “Pray about it! It may be challenging in the beginning, but it is so worth it in the end!” ~ Alyssa M.

 “It's a huge commitment, but so worth it.  Stick with it, and you will won't be sorry, trust me.  (And hardly any one ever throws up.)” ~ Catie

 “Stick to it, and stick to it HARD. It may not seem like so much fun at first, but there is so much to gain from it, and we all warm up to it. The harder you work at it, the more you will reap from it.” ~Holly

 "Follow your heart, eat your vegetables, and TRY DEBATE!!" ~Jacob

 “You need to be willing to put in a lot of time to get the most out of it.” ~Johnny

 “I think you should at least try it. Once you do, you will most likely stick with it all the way through. You learn so much, not just have fun, or just learn how to argue.” ~Reece

 “It isn't as hard as it looks!  You just have to do it.  Remember, all things are possible with God.” ~Carreen

“Work hard at it. It's fun.” ~Ryan

 “To be prepared to work hard. It is a lot of fun.” ~Jesse

 “Just do it.” ~Michael