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10,000+ at Des Moines Debate Tournament Next Week

National Speech & Debate Tournament to Bring $22 Million Boost to Des Moines

Des moines, Iowa, Is Preparing To Host The Prestigious National Speech & Debate Tournament next June, Promising A Substantial Economic Injection And A Platform For Future Leaders. The National Speech And Debate Association (Nsda), Based in West Des Moines, Will oversee the Competition Scheduled For June 15-20, 2025.

Des Moines Set to Welcome Thousands for National Speech Competition

The National Speech & Debate Association anticipates Welcoming Approximately 7,200 Students To the Tournament. J. Scott Wunn, Executive Director Of the Nsda, Highlighted The Importance Of Hosting Such A Large-Scale Academic Event In Iowa. He Noted That The Tournament Coincides With The Association’s centennial Anniversary, Marking 100 Years Of Promoting Speech And Debate Opportunities For Young People Globally.

The Events Will Be Staged Across Key venues, Including The Iowa Events Center And The State Capitol Building. With An Expected Attendance Exceeding 10,000 Visitors, Local Tourism Officials Estimate An Economic Impact Exceeding $22 Million.

Greg Edwards, President And Ceo of Catch Des Moines, Emphasized The City’s Enthusiasm For Hosting The Tournament. He Said That The Students’ Passion And Drive Will Energize The City, Bringing Both Economic Benefits And Inspiration.

A Century Of Shaping Young Leaders Through Debate

The Tournament Will Feature An Interactive Timeline displayed In the Iec/Hilton Skywalk, Showcasing The Nsda’s Illustrious 100-Year History. along with The Competitive Events, This exhibit Will Offer Attendees A Glimpse Into The Evolution of Speech And Debate Education.

Did You Know? The National Speech & Debate Association Aims To Double Its Membership To 200,000 Students within The Next Five Years.

The Enduring Impact Of Speech And Debate

The National Speech & Debate Association Currently Boasts Over 100,000 Student Members Nationwide. The Organization Is Committed To Cultivating Crucial Soft Skills Such As Critical Thinking,Communication,And leadership. By Participating In Speech And Debate, students Develop Into Engaged Citizens And Leaders Equipped To Address Contemporary Challenges.

Speech And Debate Activities Have Been Linked To Improved Academic Performance, Increased Civic Engagement, And Enhanced Career Prospects. A 2023 Study By The National Association Of Colleges And employers (Nace) Found That Employers Highly Value Communication And Critical Thinking Skills, often Prioritizing Them Over Specific Technical Abilities.

Pro Tip: Encourage Young People To Join Speech And Debate Clubs To Enhance Their Communication And Critical Thinking Skills.

Tournament Details At A Glance

Aspect Details
Event National Speech & Debate Tournament
location Des Moines, Iowa (Iowa Events center, State Capitol)
Dates June 15-20, 2025
expected Attendance 10,000+ Visitors
Economic Impact $22 Million+

What are Your Thoughts On The Importance Of Speech And Debate In Education? How Can Communities Better Support These Programs?

The Enduring Benefits Of Speech And Debate

Participating In Speech And Debate Offers Numerous Long-Term Advantages. Students Develop Refined Communication Skills, Boosted Confidence, And The Ability To articulate Ideas Persuasively. These Skills Are Invaluable Across Various Aspects Of Life, From Academic Pursuits To Professional Careers.

Beyond Communication Prowess, Speech And Debate Foster Critical Thinking And Problem-Solving Abilities. Participants Learn To Analyze Complex Issues, Construct Logical Arguments, And Engage In Constructive Dialogue. These Skills Are Essential For Navigating An Increasingly Complex World.

Furthermore, Involvement In Speech And Debate Promotes Civic Engagement And Leadership Qualities. Students Become More Aware Of Social Issues, Learn To Advocate For Their Beliefs, And Develop the Confidence To Lead And Inspire Others. This Cultivates A Generation Of informed And Engaged Citizens Ready To Contribute Positively To Society.

Frequently Asked Questions About The National Speech & debate Tournament

Share Your Thoughts And Experiences With Speech And Debate Below. What Impact Has It Had On Your Life Or The Lives Of Others?


What are the key takeaways from past Des Moines Debate Tournaments, and how can this facts inform strategies for participation and spectating this year?







10,000+ at Des Moines Debate Tournament Next week: Schedule, Teams, and Spectator Guide











Mark your calendars! The highly anticipated des Moines Debate Tournament is just around the corner, and it’s expected to draw a crowd of over 10,000 participants and spectators. This year’s event promises to be a thrilling showcase of intellectual prowess, strategic thinking, and compelling arguments. Whether you’re a seasoned debater, a dedicated coach, a curious student, or simply a spectator interested in the art of debate, this article provides all the essential information you need to prepare for this exciting event. We’ll cover everything from the tournament schedule to tips for spectators and highlight some of the prominent debating teams.










Overview of the Des Moines Debate Tournament





The Des Moines Debate Tournament has grown exponentially over the years, evolving into a premier competition for high school and collegiate debaters. Focusing on a combination of competitive debate rounds and educational workshops, the tournament fosters a thriving atmosphere for students to enhance their critical thinking, interaction, and research abilities. The event will bring together students, faculty, and enthusiasts from across the region and beyond, creating a dynamic platform for learning and exchanging ideas in the heart of Iowa.





Key Features and Objectives







  • Diverse Debate Formats: The tournament features a variety of debate formats, from Lincoln-Douglas and Policy debate to Parliamentary and Public Forum.This allows debaters to showcase their skills in different styles.


  • Educational Workshops: Beyond the debates, informative workshops will be held to help debaters and coaches. These workshops cover various skills, from creating persuasive arguments to evaluating evidence critical thinking.


  • Community building: The Des Moines Debate Tournament aims to build community among debaters, coaches, and debate enthusiasts. It creates a network to support and collaborate future events and developments.


  • Promoting Civil Discourse: One of the primary goals of the tournament is to encourage and create opportunities for civil discourse, offering a space for respectful debates on current events and topics that promote critical thinking.






Detailed Tournament Schedule





The schedule is packed with debates on a wide range of topics, providing multiple opportunities for debaters from different schools to test their knowledge and skills and for spectators to stay engaged. Please note that this is the anticipated schedule and subject to change. Check the official tournament website for the most up-to-date information.











































































Day Time Activity Location
Thursday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Registration & Coaches’ Meetings, Debate Round 1 Various School Buildings
Friday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Debate rounds 2-5, Public debate Sessions Main Auditorium
Saturday 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM elimination Rounds (Quarterfinals, Semifinals, Finals) Main Auditorium, Various Classrooms
Saturday 2:00 PM Awards Ceremony Main Auditorium




For detailed information on specific debate topics and the breakdown of rounds, visit the official tournament website.





Notable Participating Debate Teams





This year’s Des Moines Debate Tournament is expected to feature some of the most competitive debate teams from across the region. Keep an eye out for teams that regularly place high in national and regional competitions.





Some of the key participating teams include:







  • University of Iowa Debate Team: A perennial powerhouse known for it’s strategic research abilities and skillful debaters.


  • Drake University debate Program: Drake often brings passionate debaters who delve into crucial social debates.


  • Grinnell College debate Team: Grinnell’s team is known for their rigorous readiness and in-depth understanding of debate topics.


  • High School Teams: Expect strong performances from various local and out-of-state High School debate teams as well, with many up-and-coming or regular state and national qualifiers.






Tips for Spectators at the Des Moines Debate Tournament





Attending the Des Moines debate Tournament is a great chance to witness some of the best debating skills in the region. Here are some things to make the most of your experience:







  • Review the Schedule: Plan your viewing schedule ahead of time. Identify which debate rounds and topics you want to witness. Keep track of the specific locations.


  • Respect the Rules: Spectators shoudl abide by the rules of the tournament. This includes remaining silent during debates and avoiding any disruptions of the participants.


  • Prepare your questions Some rounds include a questions section at the ending where participants will be able to answer questions. Prepare your questions to make sure you stay involved.


  • explore the Venue: Familiarize yourself with the hosting venue to ensure you can easily move between rooms.


  • Support the Debaters: Show your encouragement through applause or gratitude after each debate.






Additional Resources and Information





Stay updated on all the latest news, announcements, and results by regularly visiting the tournament’s official website and social media pages:







  • Official Website: [Insert Link to Official Website Here] (Replace with the real website)


  • Twitter: [Insert Link to Twitter Account Here] (Replace with the real Twitter)


  • Facebook: [Insert Link to Facebook Page Here] (Replace with the real Facebook Page)






Use these resources to prepare to make your visit triumphant! Learn debate strategies, enhance your critical thinking skills, and immerse yourself in the art of persuasion.











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