Highlights
- IC’s debate program will prepare you to compete against the country's best college speakers, debaters, and performers at major national tournaments.
- You will develop new skills in a comprehensive competitive program, featuring both individual speaking events and policy debate.
- Coaches are committed to student success both in and out of competitive rounds. You'll receive individualized coaching specific to your needs.
- You will learn to communicate in intercultural contexts and grow your social networks.
- If you are an ESL student, you will have opportunities to develop high-level proficiency in English while traveling across the United States.
- All national competitions are funded by the Debate and Speech Team and you will be eligible to receive course credit for competing.
- The Debate and Speech program at IC is a member of the National Forensics Association.
Outcomes
The proven benefits of debate and speech include developing communication skills, research abilities, critical thinking capabilities, and intercultural competencies — all qualities that will help you stand out to a future employer or graduate school.
Many students go on to use their debate experiences to pursue law careers, earning degrees at schools like St. Louis University, Baylor University, Loyola University of Chicago, and University of Chicago Law School. Debate alumni also have reported being better prepared for success in various professional environments - making them more effective educators, presenters, managers, and team players with the ability to work effectively in diverse groups.