Well said




Alyson Kessler’s wonderful article on how so many of our children are misusing and overusing the word “like” hit very close to home for me.

For nearly 30 years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching public speaking, argument and debate. I’ve seen first-hand what a forensics (speech and debate) program can do to improve a child’s critical thinking skills, public speaking skills, and self-confidence.

Students who participate in high school forensics tournaments compete against the very best public speakers and debaters from all over the country. Tournaments and after-school practices provide students with opportunities to sharpen the communication skills they will need in life regardless of the profession they enter. Forensics instructors even have specific classroom exercises designed to help students stop using “like” every other second.

The National Forensic League, the country’s oldest and largest academic honor society, oversees high school speech and debate programs. All students earn participation points from the NFL each time they compete, regardless of whether they win or lose. These points are recognized by every college in the country and very often play a critical role in college admissions.

I’m blessed to teach at a school with a great forensics program. My hope is that when my youngest child is ready for high school, other schools in our area will offer such programs.

Marianne Rosen
Calabasas



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