Welcome to the home of SFCC Speech & Debate. In 2022, State Fair Community College launched the Speech and Debate Team. The team found early success last year and finished on top as National Champions at the Phi Rho Pi National Tournament.
National Champions Allyson Sampson and Joshua Kofahl
Speech
The SFCC Speech and Debate Team is a comprehensive team, meaning members of our team participate in both forensics (speech) and debate events.
Forensics (Speech) Events
At the collegiate level, there are eleven standard individual events.
Public Address
Informative Speaking Persuasive Speaking
After-Dinner Speaking/ Speech to Entertain Communication Analysis/ Rhetorical Criticism
Oral Interpretation of Literature
Prose Interpretation Poetry Interpretation
Dramatic Interpretation Program of Oral Interpretation
Duo Interpretation
Limited Preparation
Extemporaneous Speaking
Impromptu Speaking
The SFCC Speech and Debate Team also participate in broadcast journalism, interviewing, reader’s theater, congress, Spanish- Language events, and other exploratory speaking events when these events are offered at tournaments.
Debate
In addition to speaking events, the SFCC Speech and Debate Team participates in the following formats of competitive debate:
-Parliamentary Debate – a two-on-two limited preparation format of debate.
-International Public Debate Association (IPDA) – a one-on- one limited preparation format of debate with an emphasis on public accessibility
-Public Forum – a two-on-two, evidence-based format of debate with an emphasis on public accessibility
According to ipdadebate.info, IPDA has grown to include not only individual debate but also two-person team debate. It maintains four distinct divisions, allowing competitive opportunities for anyone who chooses to test their skills in this competitive arena. The Novice Division allows individuals to learn competitive debate with others with little or no experience. Junior Varsity focuses on those with an intermediate level of experience, having competed at the high school level or with eight to sixteen collegiate tournaments of experience.
