My camera was on, my tie was set perfectly around my neck, I was ready to deliver my speech. The only difference is that this time, I was barefoot.

As a junior in high school, I have competed in dozens of speech and debate tournaments across the state. However, like many other things, speech and debate has been moved online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an activity where human interaction and connection is so vital, it’s a strange feeling to be doing it online. Instead of gazing at a seemingly intent audience, you speak to a computer.

What makes it even more complicated is doing it at home.

Nearly every weekend I sit at my dining room table and attempt to deliver my speech to a judge and several other competitors. I compete in two events: oratory (a persuasive speech) and Public Forum debate (a partner debate).

It’s a strange sensation to argue with other people from around the state about urbanization in West Africa through a computer screen in my dining room. For example, the backdrop is not exactly as neutral as it would if I were competing at the high school like my teammates. For all I know, my debate opponents are staring at the baby pictures of me behind my head whilst I attempt to attack their arguments.  

Competing from home isn’t all bad though. As I stated earlier, I have yet to do an event with shoes on. My opponents’ and audience’s inability to see my lower half does play to my advantage. Unlike many others, however, I do compete with pants on.

In between speeches and debates I have good opportunities for some much needed rest. I get to take 15 steps to my living room where I can crash on the couch for a while.

The biggest problem I have competing at home is the missed social aspects. My team gets to have fun and make memories competing at the school, while I am stuck here at home with no one to keep me company but my yellow lab.

On the subject of my dog, it should be noted that yellow lab and black suit do NOT mix. Most weekends are spent asking my parents to keep her in the back of the house while I compete, as to not get hair all over my nice black clothes.

Pants or no pants, shoes or no shoes, competing at home is not an experience I would wish on anyone else.