The Revere High School (RHS) speech and debate team attended the upcoming state tournament at Wooster High School on Friday, February 28th, and Saturday, March 1st.
This tournament, along with nationals, close out a four month long season. In order to qualify, members of the speech and debate team must earn bids throughout the season by placing high in their category at tournaments, or qualify at the state or national qualifier tournaments.
Debate Coach Corey Anderson taught Lincoln-Douglas debate and Public Forum debate for the 2024-2025 season. He believes that overall effort and work ethic is what sets the Revere debate team apart from other teams. He thinks that this will make the difference at the state tournament this year for Revere’s qualifiers.
“I do think it’s the exceptional work ethic and just the general knowledge the kids have that’ll set them apart this weekend,” Anderson said.
The state tournament can be a lot of pressure for the qualifiers. Anderson said that the most important part of debate is to have fun and keep the pressure low. He believes that it is important to foster an environment where students feel comfortable and excited to debate.
“Most importantly, you have to make it fun. I try to make a welcoming environment. One full of jokes…my kids make fun of me, I’ll make fun of them back…long story short, I think you have to meet kids on their level, and then make it fun,” Anderson said.
Senior Congress member Anish Chandran has been to the state tournament three times. He notes that the environment is extremely competitive and the skill level is high, so it is important for each member to perform under pressure.
“It’s a pretty high pressure environment…it’s the best people in the state coming who have qualified…who have placed consistently…who got their bids to come,” Chandran said.
Chandran also comments on how much being a part of the debate team has helped him. It improved his clarity, speaking skills, and overall confidence. The amount of experience Chandran has with giving a speech in front of others allows him to be comfortable in his speaking skills.
“[The debate team]’s helped me improve the clarity of my speaking skills and quick thinking skills when speaking on the spot when maybe I’m not prepared, [and] just being able to speak clearly enough and still feel confident,” Chandran said.
Junior Ria Mahapatra qualified to the State tournament this year at the state qualifier tournament. She is grateful for the team dynamic, which helps make debate tournaments more comfortable and calm nerves. Even though there is pressure and competitiveness, the Revere Speech team is one team after all.
“If I’m nervous before states…. you’re with your team, [and] just talking to them…helps because everyone’s in the same position there,” Mahapatra said.
She also notes that the State tournament is not any ordinary tournament, so the team has to bring their best game. The right mindset is necessary for success.
“At states…it’s kind of just the mindset. You’re not just at a regular tournament,”Mahapatra said.
With months of preparation behind them, the RHS speech and debate team is ready to showcase their skills at the state tournament. With a strong work ethic, competitive experience, and a supportive team environment, the qualifiers are prepared to take on the challenge as they head into the final tournament of the season.
