How do I encourage my ingoing 8th grader to particiapte in speech and debate - seems it is considered geeky?

Question

How do you encourage participation in clubs/teams that will benefit them in high school and college at this stage. I am encouraging participation with the goal of working toward scholarship and leadership roles.

Answer 1

Research famous people who participated in Speech and Debate. Even better if these famous people are the heroes of this student.

Answer 2

I understand what you are saying about scholarship and leadership roles, which are very important for college and the future. But think about it from your kids point of view too, yeah some 8th graders might consider it geeky. I wouldnt really classify it as geeky-I mean, its speech. It was mandatory that we take it, and it wasnt that hard of a class.But point out all the positives: It will help with public speaking, a skill you have to master to be successful in the work force or in an interview. Its very good to put on your college application, and also everything you said about colleges. Encourage them to sign up for it because you never know until you try it, just remember not to force your child if they really dont want to.

Answer 3

It is hard to encourage an 8th grader to participate in speeches and debate. Especially when the constant stereotype tells them its geeky. The best way is to tell the student about famous people who wouldn't have made it to where they are now without speech.

I guess you could look at the job of President of the US. Over the years there have been great presidents and bland presidents. And if you look at what set those great presidents apart from the bland was their ability to communicate.

Tell your child that it is not geeky to participate in speech or debate, cause when it comes down to it, the person with the better communication skills can "run circles" around people who lack those skills.

And without good communication skills, getting dates becomes a hard thing to do when you are too shy from not using those speech skills.

Answer 4

You might tell your 8th grader that debate is a chance to get rewards for arguing and "talking back," something that is seldom rewarded at that age. The skills learned in speech and debate can also come in handy when you try to persuade a parent or authority figure--or anyone else, for that matter--to listen to you and do what you want them to. It makes a difference when you can use both logic and emotion (not whining) to convince others.

In other words, to encourage your child to do something that peers consider "geeky," show them a real-life incentive and applications for those skills. Teach them that "leadership skills" translate to more people doing what your child wants them to do.

Of course, if your child does participate in speech and debate, you (the parent) may find you have to improve your own ability to argue your positions logically and persuasively. I don't think "Because I said so!" would win any points in that arena. :)

Answer 5

You may consider an outside motivator. If you give this a try I will do __________________. Fill in the blank with something.
All you can ultimately do is encourage them. If they do not want to, forcing the issue will alienate you from them and it will not be the learning experience you want it to be. If they are good communicators tell them this is a way to show their abilities and that many people participate in this form of competition. Heck...contact the High School Speech and Debate sponsor and ask if a current member can speak to your student and show off all their awards, medals, and what have you.....perhaps the bling will speak to your child...

Answer 6

Maybe you should re-think your side of the issue.
Many of the same benefits that come from being involved in speech and debate can come from other extra-curricular activites.
Drama is an excellent example of this.
Acting may not give your child the law background you may be looking for, but it can give them a tremendous edge in public speaking.
Improv exercises are common in theatre classes and can help sharpen quick critical thinking skills.
Creative writing or journalism classes can help develop some of the same academic skills that are learned in debate.

By finding out if your child might be interested in these subjects and allowing them to start there, in the future, they may be more open to the idea of more formal speech and debate education.

Answer 7

At that age, your best bet is to get information on all of the programs in your childs school as well as your community. Then go through it with them. Explain to them that if would be FUN and benificial to have some extra activites. Ask them what looks enjoyable to them.
Any type of club or team will be great for them to learn various skills! The important part is finding out what they enjoy doing. Maybe suggest joining a group with their friends?
Its really a wonderful idea to encourage your child to participate!!
Good luck!

Answer 8

Nothing wrong with being a geek. I was a geeky kid and now I am well respected because I am intelligent and articulate. Speech and debate will help a child become adept in language and they will learn to use their skills in many ways. Debate is a healthy way to learn to discuss all kinds of topics knowledgeably and with ease. Too many people are afraid to speak in public and these classes will help overcome that fear. Your child can also learn more self-confidence and self-esteem from learning how to debate. It will help your child learn to think fast on their feet, which will open up the possibilities when he/she is ready to enter the job market.

And on the fun side, who wants to argue with a pro? It's a great way to always get the last word!

Answer 9

Getting your child to participate in "geeky" clubs and activities can be hard. I would suggest talking to your child about why they don't want to be in the debate club or national honor society or whatever group you are discussing. Is it just because they think it isn't cool? Is it because they are afraid they won't make it or won't be good enough?

If it is just a matter of coolness, talk to them about who they think they are and what their own goals are for the future. Talk to them about the fact that many actors have used speech and debate classes to learn how to give a good interview. Tell them that most politicians need to continuously study debate in order to vie for their jobs and express the issues that they support accurately and with passion.

Explain that these types of activities can only help them in college and in their future careers whatever they may be.

Answer 10

While we know that kids who are involved in activities will be more likely to get money for college later it doesn't mean you should force your child to do something he/she isn't interested in. Encourage your student to more well rounded in his/her activities. This means a few different activities. Also keep in mind that speech/debate meets last for a couple of days and your child will miss lots of school. Is your child the type of student who could maintain a good gpa while involved in that highly intense competition schedule?

As a former speech geek, I can truly say it was the highlight of high school career, but it is not for everyone.

Good luck.

Answer 11

You may want to find out if their is another reason behind them not wanting to take those courses. Are they scared to get in front of people and take a stand on issues? You could always try to show them why it would benefit them, i.e. it will help make things easier for them in the future if they start now, like any training program such as football or golf. Many colleges require a speech class to be taken, so it could prepare them for that!