Ishmael Leseur (aka Fishwhale Le Sewer) wishes he knew how to defeat the school bully, Barry, who constantly mocks his name. So, when a dorky new kid, James, joins the class and confounds Barry with sarcasm and wit, Ishmael wishes he could do the same. Nonetheless, when James starts a debate team, Ishmael is reluctant to sign up. Then he notices a cute girl on a rival team and starts to wonder-public speaking can't be that bad, can it?