*DISCLAIMER – We’re just guesstimating on the awesomeness. We don’t have the proper technology to measure units of awesome. Yet.

As seasons change – so do the days of our lives. Goodbye summer, hello school. Everything is new: new classes, new teachers, new tournament season – and a brand new SpeechGeek blog to follow along the way. 

Sure, we’ll still be updating you about fresh new products and merchandise.  But on top of that, we’ll be providing brand-new content to whet your appetite for all things speech and debate. From literature and videos worth watching, information and ideas to use in your events, to thought-provoking discussions about the activity (and maybe some internet silliness as well), we’re taking the SpeechGeek blog up a notch.

Like when someone finally taught you how to do the pen twirl, things are about to look way more awesome.  

Keep checking in!

Speech and Debate: Oprah's Gateway to Success

"You are your own best thing."

This was the message that defined the twenty-five years of The Oprah Show, which aired its final broadcast Wednesday night. But these words -- while important -- are not unique or revolutionary. So what was it about Oprah saying them that spurred a multi-million dollar media phenomenon that includes a talk show, a magazine, and now a television network?

This weekend, I will join thousands of high school students in Washington, D.C. for the national speech and debate tournament. Oprah attended this same national tournament almost forty years ago -- an experience she claims made the difference between a quiet, personal idea and a resounding message that was broadcast around the world for 25 years.

A high school activity with the power to change lives

Read the full essay...