Forensics: Speech and Debate

The Forensics program at Central Michigan University has been active and successful for over 40 years. Our university is devoted to helping students become experts in public speaking and argumentation while pursuing competitive success at speech and debate tournaments all over the country.

As a team member, you will have rich learning opportunities and experiences that positively impact you both in and out of the classroom.

The program currently competes at debate tournaments in the National Educational Debate Association and the Pi Kappa Delta circuits and speech tournaments in both the American Forensics Association and the National Forensics Association Tournaments. 

The speech and debate team is a fully funded program that has traveled to tournaments across the country. The team has recently traveled to Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania and Dayton, Ohio.

Although high school experience helps, our coaches work closely with students to prepare you for tournament competitions. Team members meet at least weekly to work on speeches and plan for tournaments.

Numerous academic studies show that competitive debate trains students to think critically on their feet. It gives them confidence in public speaking and teaches them how to do in-depth research.

Recent debate alumni have gone to top-tier law schools and management positions in major companies.