Debate

Simpson College debate team is an award-winning team that competes across the country. We believe in a comprehensive program where the students can discover which style of debate best aligns to their long-term goals.  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.

COLLEGIATE DEBATE AT SIMPSON
Public Forum
Parliamentary (NPDA & PLUM)
International Public Debate (IPDA)
NFA Lincoln-Douglas
Student Congress

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