High School Students Transform Personal Narratives into Advocacy in "Speak." Documentary

Esther Oyetunji's remarkable journey to become a three-time National Champion in Original Oratory highlights her significant progress.

The documentary "Speak." chronicles the experiences of Oyetunji and four other former high school students in how speech and debate arenas serve as breeding grounds for future leaders, a path once taken by notable figures, including Brad Pitt and three Supreme Court justices.

Viewers follow competitors in the Original Oratory category, where participants deliver ten-minute persuasive talks on pressing societal issues. In addition to Oyetunji, Sam Schaefer and Noah Chao-Detiveaux play prominent roles in the narrative.

David Begnaud, once a National Speech and Debate finalist, now plays the role of emcee for the annual championship.

"Speech and debate are powerful because each person brings a unique perspective and life story, which is why listening remains my favorite aspect," expressed Oyetunji, who has spoken on issues such as childhood poverty and school gun violence.

Beyond public speaking, participation in these competitions equips students with valuable life skills.

"I transformed from a shy individual with much to say into someone who could effectively advocate for myself and others. Learning to narrate stories truthfully and ethically are skills rare to acquire elsewhere," Oyetunji explained.

Sam Schaefer echoed this sentiment.

"Engaging in speech during high school prepares you for many situations, be it a job interview or managing uncomfortable confrontations," noted Schaefer.

The documentary underscores the deeply personal aspect of these competitions. Noah Chao-Detiveaux, for instance, addressed his mother's suicide, striving to promote better mental health understanding through his speech.

"We won't curb suicide by stigmatizing it as evil," Chao-Detiveaux declared. "We do so by enhancing the quality of life, offering a better alternative."

Competing against the top speakers nationwide fosters both immense pressure and the chance to develop empathy and listening skills.

"One key takeaway for participants is learning to handle loss and having their ideas scrutinized," explained Scott Wunn, the leader of the National Speech and Debate Association. "It's a ruthless but exhilarating experience."

"This discipline serves as a training ground for future leaders," Wunn asserted. "As they communicate their ideas, they evolve, which benefits our future."