Speech & Debate

Notre Dame's Speech & Debate program fosters intellectual growth, communication and leadership skills with competitive scholastic competition.  On average, students participate in more than 30 local, regional, state and national competitions, with Notre Dame students receiving accolades across all levels of competition. 

Notre Dame competes in the Coast Forensics League, the California High School Speech Association, the National Catholic Forensics League and the National Speech and Debate Association. We have sent qualifying students to the Catholic Nationals, NSDA Nationals and the Tournament of Champions.

Speech and Debate practices and meetings are Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on the 2nd floor of Donnelly.

Information for 2023-2024 

Our Virtual Parent and New Student Info Night will be Thursday, Aug. 31, from 7 to -8 p.m. Complete the Speech and Debate Interest Form to register. A Zoom link will be emailed to you the day of the event.

First official Speech and Debate practice for new students will begin Wednesday, Sept. 6, from 3:30 to 5:30pm on the 2nd floor of Donnelly.

Please complete the following steps to join the ND Speech and Debate team:

1. Review the NDSJ Speech and Debate Handbook for 2023-2024.

2. Submit these required authorization forms to the Program Director.

3. Pay the program fees. Checks can be sent to the Program Director. Online payments can be made using our Speech and Debate Fee Form.