Build Confidence in Your Voice
Put your skills to the test
Speaking to an audience takes courage, and competition only adds to the pressure. We understand, and we also know that tremendous growth comes from facing the challenge.
Would a bit of healthy competition help you meet your goals?
In NCFCA tournaments, you'll be challenged to rise to a new level with fellow students, parents, and judges who are there to encourage you. Facing the pressure now will set you up for success well beyond highschool.

Choose Your Category
Discover the perfect competitive arena to showcase your talents and reach your full potential. NCFCA offers a wide range of events to help students build a solid base of skills for life.
Speech
Unleash your voice and captivate your audience with our exciting speech events.
Develop confidence and public speaking skillsExplore different speaking styles and genresShowcase creativity and interpretationDebate
Engage in critical thinking and persuasive argumentation through our dynamic debate formats.
Master the art of research and evidence-based reasoningDevelop strategic thinking and quick response abilitiesCollaborate with teammates to build strong arguments
What to Expect
Watch a short video to see what tournaments look like in action. It's a lot of work, but it's also a lot of fun. You'll make friends, have opportunities to encourage others, and learn great skills and life lessons from your experiences.
FAQs
How do I prepare for competition independent of a club?
If circumstances prevent you from participating in local clubs, you are welcome to prepare for competition from the comfort of your own home. NCFCA supports families by offering curriculum, resources, and training.
Curriculum
NCFCA offers three sets of curriculum. Each has instructional content, activities, and games to equip students with the skills they need to learn valuable communication skills and compete well. Foundations of Speech and Foundations of Policy Debate each have a Student Text, Student Workbook, and Teacher Manual. The NCFCA Comprehensive Guide to Value Debate has a Competitor’s Handbook, a Coach’s Manual, and a Parent Guide. You can find these in the NCFCA Shop.
Resources
Competition rules, guidelines, policies, and tournament preparation information can all be found on our website.
Training
Our Online Summer Educational events bring together leaders from across the nation and offer live sessions that include instruction and discussion. Those sessions are archived and available in the NCFCA Shop.
Voices from the Stage
testimonials
Hear firsthand from NCFCA competitors about their experiences. Discover how our competitions have shaped their lives and ignited their passions.
Impressed Parent
Playback Speed Quality LoopCaptions Accessibility AnnouncementsI was so impressed with the kids presenting that I came back to my wife. I said to her that we are going to do this. Not sure how we're going to do it, but we're going to try to go to every tournament because I'm so impressed with these kids.
Raul M.
Parent
My Favorite Event!
Playback Speed Quality LoopCaptions Accessibility AnnouncementsI started with Impromptu speaking, and I did not love it. It was difficult for me to effectively manage my time, but I stuck with it. My mom encouraged me to keep going, and I could say confidently by my last year, it was my favorite event.
Lucy C.
Student
The Power of Feedback
Playback Speed Quality LoopCaptions Accessibility AnnouncementsStudents get so much feedback and they learn how to humbly accept it, to appreciate it.
Melinda S.
Parent
Learn Discernment Through Competitive Debate
Playback Speed Quality LoopCaptions Accessibility AnnouncementsI think debate particularly gives them a tremendous amount of discernment, the ability to weigh arguments, and to make quality value assessments about what they're being told. I love that kids are learning to do real research from real worthy sources.
Kristi E.
Alumni Parent and Coach
Competition is a Catalyst for Learning
Playback Speed Quality LoopCaptions Accessibility AnnouncementsCompetition is such a great catalyst to learn to win graciously, to learn to lose graciously, to manage emotions—such an invaluable part of the process.
Ghena B.
Parent and Board Member
Not Ready to Compete? Build Your Foundation First
Before diving into the competitive arena, it’s essential to establish a solid groundwork in speech and debate fundamentals.
Our comprehensive learning resources are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel. Explore our curriculum, join a club, or enroll in a class to embark on your learning journey. Remember, every champion starts as a beginner. Take the time to build your skills and you’ll be well-prepared to compete and succeed.
