Michael from Nebraska
I love getting food from the student-run concession stands. Nothing gets me on fire like cold, greasy cheese fries.

Jessica from Ohio
My absolute favorite part about speech is hard to explain. It's that "feeling" when you walk into a school for your first meet, or catch the eye of an arch rival or a long-distance friend. It's being aware that you are part of this wonderful thing that brings out the best in you. My favorite part is the essence itself.

Heather from New York
My favorite part about the tournaments is that I can show all of the work that I put into preparing my speech, because a lot of my time is spent working with my speech. I also like hearing and seeing all of the other speeches people have picked out to perform.

Tera from Missouri
My favorite part of a speech and debate tournament is the experience. I love competing and I love the rush you get after a really intense debate round, but just being able to celebrate your wins and learn from losses with your team, just knowing you have that support is the best part of tournaments for me.

Sean from Kansas
I find that the most enjoyable part would be the awards ceremony not to a whole tournament but to a finals round. It's always when I'm excited for another person, even though I usually fall short by a round, in debate.

Ben from Indiana
I have a tie. I love the early early morning bus rides to the tournaments when everyone falls asleep and it is as peaceful and quiet as you'll ever find. I also love the time between arrival and first rounds - when you get to catch up with debate friends from other schools.

Sean from Illinois
Without a doubt, my favorite part of a speech tournament is waiting for the "POSTERS!" Ask any of my teammates and you will get the same response. "Sean gets WAY to nervous and excited for the final posters to be taped up." The combination of butterflies in my stomach and the beating drum (a.k.a. my heart) in my chest, is BY FAR my favorite part of any speech tournament.

Tiffany from Idaho
I like receiving the ballots at the end because I can see where I can improve and what I need to keep up.

Molly from California
My favorite part of a speech/debate tournament is the awards ceremony. Whether you personally win or lose, it feels great to celebrate a win for any member of your team, and even for members of other teams. It is the best feeling to recognize the great accomplishments of those who deserve it the most. At the last tournament I attended, a member of our team won first place for her DI and our whole entire team jumped up out of our seats, screamed, clapped, whooped, and gave her the biggest hug she ever received...that win was the best part of the whole entire day. Most participants work very hard for these competitions. We put in hours of writing and weeks of memorization as well as research and rehearsals. When teh pressure of competing is lifted at teh end of the day and your struggles and abilities are acknowledged and awarded, that is my favorite part of a speech/debate tournament.

Jeffrey from Texas
My favorite part of a speech and debate tournament is the nights. After hours of tiring work, we all pile into a bus and head to a hotel where we are supposed to sleep to prepare for the next day. However, no one sleeps. We stay up almost all night goofing off and having fun. Returning the next day and winning without sleep makes the nights completely worth it.

Brenna from Montana
Meeting kids from all across the state that share your interests.

Robert from Colorado
My favorite part of a speech/debate tournament is getting to see everyone's ouwn interpretation of their piece.

Nathan from Pennsylvania
My favorite part of a tournament is gathering together with other teams and playing different games and talking about each others lives.

Jacob from Mississippi
My favorite part of the speech and debate tournament is sitting at the awards ceremony and hearing your event called up. I love standing in front of everyone as they call out the winners. Whether you got 1st or 5th, at least you made it to finals.

Robert from Nebraska
~ My favorite part of speech tournaments is the break between finals and awards. I can finally get some food and talk about some of the amazing speeches we've seen. I live to call it "team comradely hour."

Mayur from Arkansas
The opening of the speech. We can always sense the confidence in the person with his voice when he starts the speech. I also love the frying round when you try to corner the opponent by stating your doubts.

Louis from Alabama
My favorite part of a tournament is in between rounds. You meet new people, have fun, and prepare for your next debate.

Allie from Iowa
Being around my friends on the team. When together, something wacky always happens.

Drew from South Carolina
My favorite part of speech is the fact that it keeps me from making mistakes on the streets that would probably end or destroy my life.

Brittany from Indiana
The best part of speech is the fact that you cannot go to a tournament without learning something new. Also, its impossible not to make new friends.

Ross from Ohio
My favorite part of a speech and debate tournament is the morning speech given by head coach Mr. Mazzucco. He always gives an amazing speech that drives every speaker to do their best! The morning speech is what binds the team together and prepares everyone for the hectic day ahead.

Whitney from New York
My favorite part of forensics is the opportunity to meet new people at the tournaments and the expression/discussion of ideas and opinions about the current topics, and or general things going on in the world.

Anna from Missouri
The rush of being in front of complete strangers giving a piece that you have put your heart and soul into, and seeing the look on your judge's face when they laugh and are interested. It is a big adrenaline rush.

Katie from Texas
It's great to go to a really competitive tournament and see all the other talented students. Not only is it entertaining to watch, it also helps me see where I need to improve and grow as an actress.

Lisa from Ohio
The people are definitely the best part of a speech/debate tournament (aside from winning, of course.) The people involved are really friendly and nice.

Brie from South Dakota I love that on debate tournaments I get to meet new people who are interested in the same things I am.

Bridget from Missouri
My favorite part of a speech/debate tournament is meeting new people and improving all my skills and if I did bad go back out and try harder next time that's my favorite part of a speech/debate tournament.