Callie Firminhac, the Wyoming Original Oratory State Champion in 2017, competed in Speech and Debate at Torrington High School for two years. Callie jumped on the One Clap Pod to give some quick perspective on how she approached topic selection for Original Oratory, what she remembers most about her time in competition, and why she thinks Speech and Debate is such a powerful outlet for students.
It sure was great for me to have the chance to catch up with Callie, who is now studying Elementary Education at Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska. I was lucky enough to have the chance to work with Callie as a coach at Torrington High School for the two years that she competed. Callie was an excellent debater (LD and PF) and a State Champion Orator who has some great perspective about the positive impact that Speech and Debate can have for competitors.
In a quick but fun conversation, Callie discussed the oratories that she performed, including her oratory about Quiet Courage (inspired by "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking" by Susan Cain) and the Pain Paradox (in which she explored the ways in which pain can be a blessing). Callie also reflected on the power of Speech and Debate as an activity to prepare students for the world beyond school and extolled the virtues of the easy-to-eat-in-a-time-crunch granola bar.
I hope you enjoy our chat. Thanks for sharing your unique perspective on the One Clap Pod, Callie!