Simpson College debate team is an award-winning team that competes across the country. The team provides great opportunities to get involved on campus and meet new people. By joining the debate team, you will increase your public speaking abilities and ability to think quickly and creatively.

What is debate?

Debate is a research and presentation process often involving competitions at the collegiate level. Students gather general knowledge about the provided competition topic and then dig deep into research and discover pros and cons to each side of the topic. They pick their best arguments and form a case. Then as a team, they practice competing against each other to prepare for interschool competition.

The Competition

A round of debate consists of two speakers consecutively presenting their cases confidently and persuasively. The second speaker must think on her/his feet to combat the criticisms of their opponent while presenting the case. The back and forth between the two speakers is quick, intense and exciting for the speakers, audience and judges. Judging is based on the persuasiveness of the arguments presented by the speakers.

 

Awards and Recognition

Simpson College is currently the only college in Iowa and one of the first colleges in the nation to offer public forum debate.

Pi Kappa Delta recognized the Simpson College team of Jacy Gomez and Ethan Fredrick as the top team in the country based on preliminary rounds.  Courtesy of Pi Kappa Delta, you can see the final showcase debate here: http://vimeo.com/66328433

 

Other awards received in the 2012-2013 year include:

• CPF National Championship.
• Team Sweepstakes at Butler University.
• Webster University Gorlok Gala in St. Louis.
• Debate Sweepstakes award at the Pi Kappa Delta National Tournament.

 

For more information or if you are interested in joining the team, contact Spencer Waugh at spencer.waugh@simpson.edu.