Welcome to the Massachusetts Speech & Debate League!
The MSDL serves high school students (grades 9-12) in Massachusetts. You can find out more about our league by exploring information in the menu bar, above.
If you are looking for information about Middle School speech (grades 6-8), please visit their website: mmssl.weebly.com
UPCOMING EVENTS Our local competitive season has come to a close. Check back for more this fall.
The 2021-2022 Invoice/Participation Agreement can be found in the "Joining" Tab (above) as well as here. Schools must submit their signed participation agreement prior to attending any MSDL tournaments this year.
Minutes for the May 7, 2022 Annual meeting have been posted here.
Judge Training videos. Missed the judge training? You can watch it online! How to judge Speech: Watch this video How to judge PF Debate: Watch this video How to flow a PF Debate: Watch this video Note: You may need to download the videos in order to watch them.
ONLINE SUGGESTION BOX! We value the voice of each and every student, coach, judge, alumni, and friend of our league. Our online suggestion box offers an opportunity to have your voice heard! Click here to check it out.
AN IMPORTANT NOTE TO ALL COMPETITORS AND JUDGES
One of the most common complaints we hear from competitors is that either a judge or another student is using their phone during a round, often while performances are in progress. Some report that students are whispering or gesturing to one another while a student is performing in the room.
It is important that all MSDL STUDENTS AND JUDGES wait until a round is over before texting! This certainly should never happen while a student is performing! Students should also be sure not to engage in any behavior that a speaker would find distracting, including gesturing, whispering or texting.
Thank you for your help in making sure all of our students feel their presentations are valued by all members of their audiences.