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

z

News
Mar 30, 2021
UIS Completes Series of OATS Tournaments SPRINGFIELD, IL (March 30, 2021) – The UIS Speech and Debate team has been participating in the Online…
Mar 04, 2021
Speech and Debate Team Improves on Past Record SPRINGFIELD, IL (March 1, 2021) – The UIS Speech and Debate Team took part in the second asynchronous…
Feb 15, 2021
First Spring Tournament Success SPRINGFIELD, IL (February 15, 2021) – The UIS Speech and Debate Team achieved some excellent scores in their first…
Dec 14, 2020
UIS Speech and Debate Ends the Semester on a High Note SPRINGFIELD, IL (December 14, 2020) – UIS Speech and Debate participated in their final tournament…
Nov 23, 2020
UIS Speech and Debate Continues to Win Awards SPRINGFIELD, IL (November 23, 2020) – The awards continue to come in from the UIS Speech and Debate Team.…