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Participating on a debate team is one of the best ways to develop strong public speaking skills, hone your critical thinking abilities, and establish strong leadership experience.
As part of the program, you'll experience a close-knit, supportive environment and develop skills you can use throughout your career. Westminster's Speech and Debate program is designed for everyone—whether you have experience or not. You'll work closely with your coach and teammates to set personal and team goals each year.
Team and Tournaments
Students can participate in the Westminster Speech and Debate program by enrolling in a 1-credit class designed to help students build skills, practice strategies, and prepare for tournaments. The Speech and Debate course helps you develop and refine skills in public speaking and informed debate, with an emphasis on preparing them for leadership and competition. Speech and Debate is instrumental in helping students become better critical thinkers who develop strong arguments and effective speeches through hands-on experience in a dynamic, supportive environment.
If you do not enroll in the class can still participate by joining the team for weekly meetings and practice sessions. Team members also participate in events, field trips, and competitions, and have the chance to be high school competition judges and mentors. An example of tournaments the Speech and Debate program participates in include:
- Annual Earl Wells Speakeasy Tournament—Oregon State University, Corvalis, OR
- Great Salt Lake Invitational—University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
- Northwest Nazarene University Tournament—Nazarene University, Nampa, ID
- BG Forensics Magic Swing with Pi Kappa Delta—Ohio University, Athens, OH
- More to come
Learning Outcomes
- Objectively approach controversial issues
- Create evidence-based claims
- Perform as effective public speakers
- Think critically and creatively
- Develop civic literacy and the capacity to be community-engaged learners who act in mutually beneficial ways with community partners
Meetings
Students who are interested in joining the Speech and Debate team are encouraged to enroll in the associated class, but anyone can join the Speech and Debate team even if they aren’t part of the class. Meetings are held on Tuesdays from 6–8:00 p.m. in Dick 102. All are welcome.
Scholarships
You do not have to register for the 1-credit Speech and Debate program course to be on the team. However, you must register for the course to be eligible for the scholarship. Team members registered for the program are eligible for one of 6 scholarships for $1,000, which are renewable starting in academic year 2025–26. Five scholarships are reserved for first-year students and 1 scholarship is reserved for a transfer student.
Top 5 Reasons to Join Speech and Debate
Enhances Communication Skills
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Demonstrates Commitment and Achievement
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Enhances Research and Analytical Skills
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Builds Confidence and Leadership
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Develops Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills
Coaches and Officers
Christy Seifert
Director of Speech and Debate
Christy Seifert is the Director of Speech and Debate and a Professor of Communication.
Tanner Latham
Debate Coach
Tanner Latham (‘16) grew up in Wyoming and then in central Utah, and is a Westminster Alum.
Asher Dean
Debate Officer
Mia Strassberg
Debate Officer
Nava Sharma
Debate Officer
Lindsay Ross
Debate Officer
Contact
Email debate@westminsteru.edu with your questions.