I was in speech for six years in middle/high school, and throughout those years I tried a lot of different speech categories. I was having a hard time finding my niche. But then, my senior year I tried duo interpretation. I had done this before in middle school, but I was bad at it because I hadn’t quite figured out the whole speaking and not being awkward thing yet. However, in my senior year, I realized that duo was the best and most fun category I could have finished off my speech career with. Even though the script my partner and I performed was a serious drama piece, I still had a blast with the season. Here are some reasons why I think duo interpretation is the best speech category out there.

1. You don’t have to talk to lockers alone.

When you are practicing your speech to the lockers in the hallway, at least there is another speech lunatic next to you being just as loud.

2. If one of you messes up, the other can usually cover.

While performing, particularly in the beginning of the season you can get nervous. If you happen to mess up a line or forget, your partner can often make up for your shortcomings. This way you don’t (usually) have to stand there awkwardly, alone, trying to remember your next line.

3. You almost always have someone to sit with on the bus.

You know, unless your duo partner has a significant other who is in speech. Otherwise, you almost never have to sit alone.

4. There is always someone there to give you feedback during performances.

In other categories, you might not know anyone else in the room during rounds. Having to rely solely on the judge’s critiques can sometimes be irritating, as inevitably there are judges who don’t know what they are talking about.

5. Your duo partner is the person you can depend on if you need snack money.

I probably borrowed money from mine at every meet to buy chocolate. (Sorry Winston)

6. Whether you do well or poorly, you have someone there who understands.

If you do poorly, they are bummed out too, and if you do well, they share in the victory high fives and hugs.

7. Hardly anyone knows your first name at meets.

That way, it is a lot harder for them to stalk you. Also, they usually don’t recognize you without your partner there. Trust me; there are a lot of weird stalker-material type people at speech meets.

8. SO MANY inside jokes.

Both of you are always referencing speeches you saw, speeches you did together, or ridiculous comments judges have made.

9. Most of the time, you and your duo partner end up being close by the end of the season.

Especially if you didn’t know them very well before you were paired up, you end up having a special bond complete with inside jokes and stupidity. Even if you don’t end up being best friends, you are still a lot closer than before.

10. There is always someone there to help you get pumped up for the next round or meet.

Whether you need extra words of motivation or constructive criticism, your duo partner has it covered.

A huge thank you to Winston, my duo partner from my last year. Always be grateful if you have a good duo partner. Seriously, if you have a chance to be in duo, JUST DUO IT.