Often students are told to sit down and be quiet, but for a group of students in Butler County, the request is quite different. They are encouraged to stand up and speak out, and do it often.

Several of these students did just that on Monday during a speech and debate exhibition at CrossWay Church of the Assemblies of God in Valencia.

The students are members of the Western Pennsylvania Christian Orators, an independent speech and debate group that meets bi-weekly in Harrisville to develop public speaking skills.

Members of the group, composed of home-schooled students, also compete across the country at events sponsored by the National Christian Forensics and Communications Association.

The vision of Western Pennsylvania Christian Orators is to develop sound communication skills in Christian students so they can communicate their ideas, thoughts, and beliefs - impacting the body of Christ and their culture for the cause of Christ, said Debbie Hebda, who formed the group in 1999 after attending a Communicators for Christ Speech and Debate Conference.The students are instructed in the basics of presentation style, as well as content for the categories outlined in the NCFCA home school forensics league."The class consists of 1½ to two hours of class time covering speech instruction and practice time for different age groups and skill levels," Hebda said. "The next two- to three-hour time period is devoted to debate format and theory for ages 12 to 18 years," she explained."Related homework assignments are given and opportunities to practice learned communication skills are provided with a variety of means.""We also cover the importance of audience analysis and basics in writing and presenting an effective speech," Hebda said."Students are given ample opportunity for class participation and practice on multiple levels. They also have the opportunity to memorize and present their selections in home-school practice tournaments held both locally and in various locations throughout the year," she added.Charlie Roth of Butler has been competing with the group for four years. He has completed four years of speech and three of debate. He will be a freshman at Grove City College this fall. Though he initially joined the group because his mother insisted, he described the experience as surprisingly rewarding."I never thought I would enjoy doing speeches, but after I got accustomed to being in front of people, I have found that I really enjoy it," Roth said."I have never really been a shy person, but I was never too enthusiastic about talking to strangers or people I had never met. Doing speech and debate has helped me open up and become more outgoing toward those I don't know," he explained.Roth said he believes the skills are beneficial to every student, but critical for Christian students. "As we go through life, we don't know when we will be questioned on our faith. I think we as Christians should be prepared to defend and share the gospel in a clear, understandable way," he said."Debate helps with that because you are always thinking about how to convey your point and persuade others to believe you," he added.Roth has debated heavy topics, including "The United States should significantly change its trade policy with one of the following areas: the Middle East and Africa," "The United States federal government should significantly change its policy with one or more of its protectorates" and "The Unites States should significantly change its energy policy to substantially reduce its dependence on foreign oil."The resolution for next year centers around malpractice issues.For the competitions, the topic is announced by the NCFCA at the national competition in June.That topic is debated throughout the year and ends after the next national tournament. "Each debate team, which consists of two people, has to debate both sides of the issue," said Roth."The affirmative side proposes a change that deals with the topic. The negative team tries to show why there should be no change, or that the affirmative's policy is not a good idea," he said.Charlie's mother, Charlene Roth, said the group was a great experience for her son, who is now signed up to participate in speech and debate at Grove City College."I think debate skills are important to students because they learn to tackle issues methodically, logically, and biblically," she explained. "It begins with research. They must develop a case or a proposed plan to solve a problem and be sure that it is sound and workable."They must be prepared to defend it. They must also research other teams' plans and be ready to argue politely and without negative emotions why those plans are not viable," she said."They must do all of this logically, ethically and courteously. Throughout their lives, all of these skills will be invaluable in their marriages, families, churches, careers - in whatever they contribute to life," she said.Sara Chandler of Valencia is part of Western Pennsylvania Christian Orators and hosted a group of students in her home this summer.She and her mother, Lori, organized the summer speech and debate event held on Monday at CrossWay."I attended a Communicators for Christ conference two years ago and enjoyed the debate portion of it. My mom and I asked WPACO if there was any room for another student in their debate class. There was room for one more girl," explained Chandler."It helps you to think critically, and not just to be a passive observer. It also helps with your research skills, writing and analyzing things. Being able to think on your feet is a bonus, you also get a crash course in public speaking," she said."Not only have I improved my speaking abilities tremendously, I've learned to think more logically and have met a ton of interesting people. At the last tournament I attended I befriended a girl from Arkansas and a couple people from New England," said Chandler.

As interest in student speaking increases, another group has formed to accommodate students.Homeschool Orators Pursuing Excellence has been formed in Butler and will begin meeting this fall on the first and third Fridays of the monthat Westminster Presbyterian Church.Although the group has just formed, it appears that classes are already full and a waiting list forming, saidKelly Condon, one of the forces behind forming the group."I became part of the joint effort along with several area families to form HOPE because we share a common purpose. We want to see our children grow in their ability and vision to speak with grace, seasoned with salt, before those who listen," said Condon."We want our children to not only be good communicators, but to be a witness for the Gospel of Christ in their speech," Condon explained."Those who master their words are those who will provide the leadership of tomorrow. We want our children to become part of these future leaders, impacting future generations not just with skillful speaking, but also with a sound biblical worldview."