Speech & Debate Invitationals
Join the Excitement at Dunn School's Speech & Debate Contests
At Dunn School, our Speech & Debate program is a dynamic and integral part of our commitment to fostering intellectual growth, social responsibility, and leadership among our students.
We are thrilled to invite students from grades 5 through 12 to participate in our yearlong series of in-person invitationals, designed to challenge and inspire young minds.
Showcase Your Skills
Students from Dunn Middle School and Upper School, alongside a coalition of public and independent schools throughout Santa Barbara County and beyond, will come together to engage in spirited debates and showcase their skills. Each event offers a range of categories, providing ample opportunities for students to demonstrate their speaking and debating prowess.
High school students can test their quick thinking and persuasive abilities in the Spontaneous Argumentation (SPAR) competitions, while students from all grade levels will compete across multiple categories.
Events for the 2025-26 School Year
October
Saturday, Oct. 4
November
Saturday, Nov. 8
January
Saturday, Jan. 17
April
Saturday, April 25
Each tournament will feature two speech events and one debate event:
- Original Oratory
- Original or Dramatic Interpretation
- SPAR
SPAR will only be open to high-school students (grades 9-12), but Original Oratory and Original or Dramatic Interpretation are open to students in grades 5 through 12. Grades 5-8 will be judged together.
All tournament days will begin at 8 a.m. and are expected to conclude by 3 p.m.
Snacks and a catered lunch will be available to all participants.
More information, including specific schedules, judging guidance, and details about how to get to campus will be coming soon.
We invite any schools who are interested to register using the button below. We ask that each participating school bring one judge for every five students.
For High School:
- Original or Dramatic Interpretation allows a student to use their voice to re-enact another’s speech – you may try to mimic the flow of the original notable speech, or use your own voice to deliver it in your own way. Students should be prepared to speak for 5 - 10 minutes.
- Original Oratory is an original speech that cannot have unattributed quotes and will be delivered from memory. Students should be prepared to speak for 7 - 10 minutes.
- SPAR (Spontaneous Argumentation) is a limited preparation debate event where students debate a different resolution or topic each round.
For Middle School:
- Original or Dramatic Interpretation allows a student to use their voice to re-enact another’s speech – you may try to mimic the flow of the original notable speech, or use your own voice to deliver it in your own way. Students should be prepared to speak for 3 - 5 minutes.
- Original Oratory is an original speech that cannot have unattributed quotes and will be delivered from memory. Students should be prepared to speak for 3 - 5 minutes.
Why Participate in Speech & Debate?
Speech & Debate at Dunn School provides students with invaluable skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Here are just a few of the benefits:
- Critical Thinking — Develop the ability to analyze issues from multiple perspectives and construct well-reasoned arguments.
- Public Speaking — Gain confidence and poise in delivering speeches and presentations, a skill highly valued across all professional industries.
- Collaboration — Learn to work effectively in teams, honing interpersonal and collaborative skills essential for leadership roles.
- Research Skills — Enhance your ability to gather, evaluate, and use information efficiently.
- Creative Expression — Foster creativity and originality through interpretive speech events and improvisational debates.
Get Involved
We encourage students to seize this opportunity to develop these crucial skills while engaging in friendly competition. If you are interested in participating, volunteering as a judge, scorekeeper, or at the registration table, please contact Gene Vachon at gvachon@dunnschool.org. Your involvement helps make these events a success and supports the growth of our students.
Discover the power of Speech & Debate at Dunn School, where your voice can make a difference. Join us and be a part of a tradition that cultivates future leaders and thinkers.