David Finnigan

Speech and Debate Coach, Beverly Hills High School @Beverly Hills High School

Beverly Hills, CA, US

Speech and Debate Coach who built a new team in 2015 after decades of BHHS not having a team. Recruit new members, hold weekly team meetings and plus Debate, Speech and Student Congress practices. Build speaking confidence of students by teaching proper eye contact, vocal exercises, posture, etc. Work with team members at all grade levels as they learn to write cogent debate arguments, prepare persuasive original speeches, master Dramatic and Humorous Interpretation skills and build student confidence for Impromptu and Extemporaneous Speaking and Student Congress. Engage the team\'s parent support network to coordinate their volunteer duties as tournament judges. Handle all transport logistics, fees, legal forms, etc.Accomplishments:• 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2018 and 2017 California State Speech and Debate Championship (hosted by the California High School Speech Association): Beverly debaters have competed at the annual state championship in Public Forum and Lincoln Douglas debate events plus the Speech events Original Prose and Poetry and Impromptu Speaking.(2020 state championship was cancelled due to Covid-19 but a Beverly senior qualified that year in Congressional Debate.)• 2023, 2021 and 2020 National Speech and Debate Tournament (hosted ’23 in person in Phoenix, ’21 and ’20 online by the National Speech and Debate Assoc.): Beverly debaters have competed in Expository Speech and Extemporaneous Debate and qualified in World Schools Debate.