Speech and debate is an activity that opens doors, expands horizons, and builds leadership skills through advocacy, public speaking, and performance art.

Speech and Debate Team Members

The UIS Speech and Debate Team is committed to training the next generation of civic leaders, public speakers, and communicators who are passionate about effecting change in their communities. The team does this by competing in twelve public speaking events and two forms of debate at regional and national tournaments throughout the year.

College speech and debate provides an opportunity for students to learn how to communicate ideas, opinions, and beliefs in a meaningful and impactful way. Through extensive competition and service opportunities, competitors acquire the skills needed to be successful in the classroom and in their future workplace. The ability to articulate opinions persuasively while appreciating different points of view and life experiences will set you apart from your peers regardless of your future career plans. Joining a speech and debate team is one of the most impactful decisions you can make in college. In addition to the skills and experiences you gain, you will make friends that will last a lifetime.

HOW TO JOIN

Interested in becoming a part of our team? Great! Membership is open to all undergraduate majors on campus. No prior experience is required! Email the coach mailto:cgord@uis.edu to find out more and get started! Additionally, there are scholarship opportunities for members of the team.

Affiliations

UIS Speech and Debate is part of the School of Communication and Media within the College of Public Affairs and Education.

If you have an opportunity to use your voice, you should use it.

Samuel L. Jackson

When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.

Malala Yousfazai

Support the Speech and Debate Team

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News

collage of speech and debate team members
Jun 12, 2025
Speech and Debate Team Grows
This past year has been a time of growth and expansion for the Speech and Debate Team! The team continued to compete exclusively in 9 online…
Three members of the 2023-2024 UIS Speech and Debate Team
May 03, 2024
Speech and Debate Team Excels During Spring Semester
Danielle Webster The UIS Speech and Debate Team enjoyed a semester full of online, asynchronous tournaments, capped off with the Speech and Debate Showcase…
drone shot of UIS campus
Jan 10, 2024
UIS Speech & Debate Team Competes in OATS 4
Four members of the UIS Speech and Debate Team participated in the OATS 4 (Online Asynchronous Tournament Series) competition held on December 4-8. …
drone shot of UIS campus
Apr 03, 2023
Speech and Debate Team Has an Excellent 2022-2023 Season
SPRINGFIELD, IL (April 3, 2023) - The UIS Speech and Debate Team had a record 2022-2023 season. This academic year saw the team reach its largest size in a…
drone shot of UIS campus
Mar 27, 2023
UIS Attends Asynchronous Speech Championship
SPRINGFIELD, IL (March 27, 2023) – The UIS Speech and Debate Team completed their competition season by taking part in the Asynchronous Speech Championship,…
drone shot of UIS campus
Mar 06, 2023
UIS Completes Regular Season at OATS 6 Tournament
SPRINGFIELD, IL (March 6, 2023) – The final regular season tournament for the UIS Speech and Debate Team was hosted virtual by Southwest Minnesota State…
drone shot of UIS campus
Feb 27, 2023
UIS Excels at Good Life Tournament
SPRINGFIELD, IL (February 27, 2023) – UIS Speech and Debate participated in their their competition of the semester in a virtual tournament hosted by the…
drone shot of UIS campus
Feb 20, 2023
UIS Attends Doane University Tournament
SPRINGFIELD, IL (February 20, 2023) – UIS Speech and Debate recently attended the Feline Frolic Tournament hosted by Doane University in Crete, NE. This…