How does speech and debate, mainly speech, work at a high school level?

I am in 9th grade and decided to join speech and debate. My school’s president of speech and debate suggested I do something called "dec" where I memorize and recite a speech. What does "dec" mean? Also, what do these abbreviations mean?: LD, PF, NFL, CFL. And which of those events am I eligible to participate in with my category? Thanks! Anything will help!

LD and PF are certain types of debate.
LD is Lincoln Douglas – it has to do with moral issues (you do not have a partner)
PF is Public Forum – it keeps more to the political side (it was my favorite type) you will have a partner
NFL – is the national forensics league (you should join, it looks great on college applications and such) you have to have a certain number of "points" to join. so after a few tournaments you can. your teacher will tell you or you can ask him/her.
Speech is great also but debate will give you more skills and keep you more informed on whats going on in the world.
I highly recommend it.

One Response to “How does speech and debate, mainly speech, work at a high school level?”

  1. LD and PF are certain types of debate.
    LD is Lincoln Douglas – it has to do with moral issues (you do not have a partner)
    PF is Public Forum – it keeps more to the political side (it was my favorite type) you will have a partner
    NFL – is the national forensics league (you should join, it looks great on college applications and such) you have to have a certain number of "points" to join. so after a few tournaments you can. your teacher will tell you or you can ask him/her.
    Speech is great also but debate will give you more skills and keep you more informed on whats going on in the world.
    I highly recommend it.
    References :

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