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So we have a program, meets, coaches and speech pieces ready. What's missing?

Students.

It is clear even with the best planning and organizing a speech program cannot run without students. Finding students and creating interest can be difficult. It is hard if this is a new program but maybe harder still if the program has been in place and numbers are dwindling.

There are several steps which can be taken to attract students to forensic programs. Some of which are to talk to the school counselor who may be able to identify the students who may be interested, ..

As a new coach, there are so many things on your mind. I remember feeling completely competent until the day of the first speech meeting, and then suddenly I felt like I had no idea what I was doing. Sometimes I would find myself getting hung up on the day to day things, meeting students for practice and developing schedules. During these times it helped to reflect on the goals that I had for the year. These goals helped get me focused on the team again.

Realistic goals for a new coach are really very personal. I ..

Developing networks with other coaches and forensic directors is really important when starting out as a coach because it is so hard to become a coach or to start a program in your school so other coaches and forensic directors can really help in this process. It may be a bit hard to meet up with these people so you may look to doing research on your own.

 If this school has had a program before and you are new to it other coaches and directors can help you understand the history of the program. You ..