We want to set the trends, not follow them. Senior team member Karma Chavez of Minden said the team's experience also is helping make for a successful season. The interests, opinions and knowledge of each team member play a crucial role in their success, she said. Being competitive requires speaking on current issues and interests, meaning topics must be researched extensively. With 11 events ranging from after-dinner speaking to poetry interpretation to communication analysis, topics for speeches vary.
Some students prepare several speeches so they can compete in other events.
Competitions can take an entire day, sometimes an entire weekend. The actual competition doesn't start until 8 or 9 a.m., however, and it can last all day with little or no lunch break. The team often doesn't return to its hotel until midnight. Schroeder said the rigorous schedule keeps your mind off being tired or hungry. Nash said the average student spends 10 to 15 hours per week researching, preparing and rehearsing.