With quivering knees and sweaty palms, most students confront the fear of public speaking hesitantly and without training. But Ridge Forensics promises to change all of that, encouraging students to develop confidence in their speaking skills. Ridge Forensics, known for the success of its competitive team, has created the new Ridge Speech and Debate Club (RSDC) to encourage interest in the art of public speaking.

Marking a new chapter for Ridge Forensics, the Ridge Speech and Debate Club means the end of all-or-nothing auditions for the Forensics team. In the past, tryouts for Ridge Forensics used to be a one-time event, judging potential based on a single tryout. Trying out for such a prestigious, national-level team can feel intimidating, especially to underclassmen.

Congressional debate captain Katie Kleinle ‘16 remembers her first audition: “At first, it was arguably one of the scariest moments of my life; it was freshman year, and in middle school I didn’t talk to the debate kids so I didn’t know anyone there. I assumed everyone was smarter than me but after a few rounds I realized that I was just as good as them, and that sense of power was when I really began to love debate.”

Hopefully, the club will ease the tension many audition-goers feel and foster the same love of debate. The club will allow the team to expand its audition process, charting the growth of each member.  Members who demonstrate potential and growth may be offered a spot on the team, competing and traveling at a national level.

Most notably, the club will allow for more scheduling flexibility. Previously, many students interested in forensics were unable to compete due to scheduling conflicts and other commitments. But now, RSDC allows the members to decide when to participate. Meetings are held twice a month, on Wednesdays after school. Students interested in the club do not have to attend every meeting; the club is designed for students to compete whenever their schedule allows.

The first meeting of the month is always an informational meeting that will review the events of each informal tournament. The second meeting of the month is the informal tournament, judged by an expert panel of RSDC parents. Tournaments are designed as part of the audition process, but no tournament will determine the fate of each member. Competition, concessions, and celebratory prizes will be provided at each informal tournament.

The importance of speech and debate can be monumental and Mr. Yastremski, director of Ridge Forensics, recognizes their impact: “We chose a new format for Ridge Forensics because we wanted to give more students the opportunity to improve their speaking, listening, and critical thinking skills. Speech and debate helps young people find their voices and exercise their intellect in ways that no other activity or course can reach. Our new format allows students to realize that power.”

More information can be found on the Ridge Forensics website under the “About the Club” tab (http://www.ridgeforensics.com/about-the-club.html).