START WITH SPAR
from students, for students
because communicating properly is the first step to civil and productive conversation, not just in our communities but in our society as well
What is SPAR?
Why SPAR?
Our Mission
SPAR, short for spontaneous argumentation, is a one v one format of debate that is especially suitable for beginners. This is because a round of SPAR is relatively short compared to other forms of debate, and, given its simple nature, is easier to understand. Debaters will argue a diverse variety of topics, from academic to fun. It is a limited prep event, meaning debaters will learn how to construct arguments on the spot.
Because SPAR is a beginner friendly event, it is suitable for everyone, from those who already have experience with speech and debate to those who are trying it for the first time. Ideal SPAR pacing is conversational and presentational, helping SPAR debaters develop real life public speaking skills (rather than the fast, almost incoherent speaking you’ll hear from some other forms of debate). Further, because SPAR is a limited preparation event, it also helps debaters learn how to think on their feet and develop sound arguments with minimal preparation.
Start with SPAR was created by a high school speech and debate coach because she was concerned about American polarization and the lack of civil discourse in our country. Through her personal experience with speech and debate, as well as her time coaching her students, she discovered that these issues could be solved if people learned how to communicate. Along with two other students, Start with SPAR was created to teach people how to speak, not argue, because open minded, constructive conversations are what America needs.
What We Do
Coaching
The team behind Start with SPAR are coaches for their local middle school speech and debate team. See how SPAR has worked for their team.
Curriculum
Start with SPAR provides FREE lesson plans for prospective coaches so they can start with and build off tried and true curriculum.
Additional Resources
For anyone here wanting to speak better, Start with SPAR has free videos, sample public speaking drills, and how-tos for other great speech and debate events.
Our Mission
In a world of misinformation, learning how to truly communicate is the first step in fostering understanding and conversation. Learn more about who we are and why we do what we do.