The Golden State Academy: School of Speech and Debate

"Happy Halloween from The Golden State Academy! 🎃👻
Wishing everyone a fun and safe holiday filled with treats (and maybe a few tricks)! "

🏆 Golden State Academy Shines at the Jon Schamber High School Invitational! 🏆

Our GSA students showcased their skills and dedication, bringing home incredible results from the prestigious Jon Schamber High School Invitational! 🎉 Check out their impressive accomplishments:

Hannah L. & Kelly L. - Quarterfinalists in Open PF 🏅
Tvisha & Stuti - Quarterfinalists in Novice PF 🏅
Aarushi - Top Speaker in Open LD AND Champion! 🥇💪
Neil Kumar - Shoutout to our former GSA student for securing Runner-Up! 👏
Rhea - 2nd Place in Open DI 🥈
Tvisha - 4th Place in Open Informative 📢
Stuti - Semifinalist in Open Impromptu 🎤
Plus, GSA took 1st Place in Small School Sweepstakes! 🏆🎉

Huge congratulations to all our students and a big thank you to everyone who supports them. This is GSA excellence in action! 🌟

Join us for an inside look at our lively debate classes! Our students are deep in preparation, and we’re loving the enthusiasm they bring to every session. Ready to join the fun and learn the art of public speaking and debate? 🎤💬📚

🚀 Mid-Semester Update: Celebrating Our Debate Stars! 🏆

We’re thrilled to share some fantastic achievements from our talented debaters! 🎉

A huge congratulations to Alsion Montessori’s Anushree Samsi and Armaan Sharma, who have fully qualified for the TOC after co-championing at the Stephen Stewart tournament and reaching semifinals at Nano Nagle. They also made it to double octofinals at Jack How. 🏅 With their incredible performances, they are currently ranked 7th in the nation! 🌟

Shoutout to Hannah Li and Kelly Liu, who are also fully qualified for the Silver Division of the TOC! After earning bids at both Stephen Stewart (octofinalists) and Cal State Fullerton (semifinalists), they are currently ranked 13th in the nation! 🎓💪

We’re so proud of their hard work and dedication! Stay tuned for a more and keep up the amazing work, team! 👏🔥

"Reflecting on Life Lessons 🧠
What’s the biggest lesson debate has taught you about life? We’d love to hear your insights in the comments! "

"Spar Debate of the Week: Open Crossfire vs. Timed Rebuttals 🔥
Which format do you think creates stronger debates? Share your thoughts below! "

"Speech and Debate Tip #342: Seek Feedback! 🌟
Constructive criticism is a powerful tool. Regularly seek feedback from peers, coaches, and mentors to refine your skills and discover areas for improvement. "

"Trivia Tuesday! 🤔
What is the abbreviation for 'Original Oratory' in Speech and Debate? It's OO :) "

Spar Debate of the Week: Long Speeches vs. Short Speeches
Which one is more impactful? Some believe long speeches provide depth and a stronger argument, while others argue that short, concise speeches leave a lasting impression. What do you think makes a speech more effective—depth or brevity? Let’s debate!

Spar Debate of the Week: Social Media vs. Traditional Public Speaking
Has social media improved or diminished the quality of public speaking? Do you think social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok are valid spaces for cultivating speech and debate skills, or does traditional public speaking still reign supreme? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!

A little peek behind the scenes of our latest session! We love seeing our students working hard and bonding as a team. It’s not just about debate – it’s about growth and connection!

Speech and Debate Tip #235: Stay Open-Minded
Flexibility is key in debates! Always be ready to adjust your strategy based on your opponent's arguments. It makes you a more effective and thoughtful debater.

Our students are ready to bring their A-game to the upcoming fall tournaments! 💪 Join us in wishing them good luck as they showcase their skills in Public Forum, Original Oratory, and more.

"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out."
At GSA, we believe in the power of consistent effort. Whether you're refining your argument or perfecting your performance, keep pushing!

Speech and Debate Tip #230: Build a Strong Conclusion
End your speech with a powerful conclusion that reinforces your main points and leaves a lasting impression on the audience.

What coach has had the largest impact on your life? In the world of Speech and Debate, we all have that one mentor who made a difference. Tell us your story!

Candid Spotlight: Capturing the essence of GSA classes! There’s always a special moment when students come together to work, debate, and inspire each other.

Spar Debate of the Week: Scripted Speeches vs. Impromptu Speeches. Do you prefer the structure of a prepared speech or the spontaneity of an impromptu one? Let us know in the comments!

Speech and Debate Tip #228: Focus on Clarity
Speak clearly and at a moderate pace. Clarity ensures your message is understood and keeps the audience engaged. Keep honing those skills to make an impact!

Fall is just around the corner, and so are exciting GSA events! As the season changes, it's time to sharpen your debate skills. Stay tuned for upcoming tournaments and opportunities!

📸 Candid Spotlight 📸

Another behind-the-scenes look at our dedicated GSA students! Whether it’s practice or competition, they’re always giving their best. We’re proud of their commitment and can’t wait to see their continued success!

❓ Question of the Week ❓

If you could debate any historical figure, who would it be and what topic would you choose? 🗣️🤔
Let your imagination run wild! Share your thoughts in the comments below.

✨ Speech and Debate Tip #225: Maintain Good Posture ✨

Stand tall and maintain good posture while speaking. Confident body language can positively influence how your message is received. Remember, how you present yourself can be just as important as what you say!

🔄 SPAR Debate of the Week 🔄

This week’s challenge: Informative Speaking vs. Persuasive Speaking! Do you prefer delivering facts and educating your audience, or do you enjoy convincing them to see things from your point of view? Share your thoughts and experiences with us!

Fall Newsletter: Back to school! -

Fall Newsletter: Back to school! As summer winds down and back-to-school excitement begins, we're thrilled to welcome you to a new fall semester of speech and debate! 🍂🎓