Should Storytelling Come Before Speechmaking in Schools?
Introduction>>
Many teens are asked to deliver formal speeches, yet few learn the basics of storytelling that make those speeches engaging. Should schools teach simple narrative skills before assigning graded presentations? Is storytelling the foundation students need for confident public speaking?
Constructive Debater 1 Loren
Teaching storytelling first gives students essential tools for clear, confident speaking. Learning to make a simple narrative, such as describing how they learned a new skill or solved a small problem, helps them practice building structure and connecting with audiences before moving to formal speeches. Programs like TED-Ed Student Talks show that personal stories boost engagement and memory. Using guides like the three-act structure or visual timelines, teachers can help students build strong foundations and then expand those stories into informative, well-organized speeches.
Constructive Debater 2 Olivia
Teaching storytelling before formal speeches may actually slow students down. Not every assignment requires a narrative, and focusing too much on personal stories can distract from essential skills like organizing evidence, using clear transitions, and presenting factual information. Some students may even feel pressured to share personal experiences they would rather keep private. Instead, schools should teach core speech structures first ? thesis, key points, supporting evidence, and conclusion ? so students can deliver clear, confident presentations in any academic setting.
Rebuttal Debater 1 Loren
While formal structure is important, storytelling does not replace it ? it strengthens it. And teaching students to craft brief, low-stakes stories does not pressure them to share private details; teachers can offer neutral prompts such as describing a favorite object or a simple class moment. These narrative exercises help students develop voice, pacing, and audience awareness, skills that would make later, more formal speeches clearer and more engaging. Rather than slowing progress, storytelling builds the confidence needed to master formal speech formats.
Rebuttal Debater 2 Olivia
Even if storytelling builds confidence, it can still shift attention away from the real purpose of speeches: communicating information clearly and logically. Relying on stories may lead students to prioritize entertainment over accuracy. Neutral prompts don’t solve this, because students would still spend time shaping narratives rather than practicing concise explanations or structured arguments. By focusing first on evidence-based speaking, schools ensure students develop the academic communication skills needed for research presentations, group projects, and future workplace tasks.
Judge’s Comments
Both sides presented strong points. Loren highlighted confidence and engagement from storytelling, while Olivia stressed clarity and academic focus. Ultimately, the debate shows that the best approach may combine narrative skills with structured speech, blending creativity and precision.
May For The Junior Times junior/1764893391/1613368104
1. How does Olivia argue that storytelling might distract from essential speech skills?
2. What concerns does Olivia raise about students sharing personal stories?
3. How does Loren respond to Olivia’s points about structure and privacy?
4. Why does Loren argue that teaching storytelling first benefits students?
1. Do you enjoy telling stories before giving presentations or speeches?
2. Are you more confident speaking after preparing a personal narrative first?
3. Do you prefer focusing on facts or adding stories to your speeches?
4. Have you ever felt nervous sharing personal experiences in front of a class?
Introduction>>
Rebuttal Debater 1 Loren 
