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Speech and Debate Team (Forensics)
The CSU, Chico Speech and Debate team is an Instructionally Related Activities (IRA) funded program and a course offered through the Communications Studies Program (CMST 139A-C and CMST 339A-C). The team is a full-service intercollegiate forensics program.
The term “full-service” designation means that we have competitors in both policy debate and individual event competitions. The term “intercollegiate” means we compete in tournament settings against other two- and four-year institutions of higher education.
The team offers competition in cross-examination, team policy debate, and individual events.
Testimonials
As a transfer student going to a four year for the first time, it is a daunting task trying to fit in with a group, it is daunting task trying to fit in with a group who have two years of experience in making friends and getting involved on campus. I joined the speech and debate team because of my previous experience at Santa Rosa Junior College and their debate team. I fell in love with the activity and wanted to push myself further in the last two years I have at college. My experience on the Chico State Speech and Debate team has made me grow immensely as a person. The amount of support from my coaches, both in and out of class, has given me the confidence and resources to try new things like running for student government or making the MUN New York team because of my speaking ability. Everyone should try speech and debate, especially at Chico State because of how much it allows you to grow as a person and a speaker. My speaking abilities I have learned from this team have made me stand out in job interviews. It makes me different from the rest and gives me credibility employers are looking for.
–Kelsey McCaffrey
As a recent graduate from Chico State, I consider my decision to join the speech and debate team at Chico State to be one of the best choices that I made in my college career. I improved my public speaking skills and enhanced my confidence when speaking in crowds. These may seem like obvious benefits from joining, but what was less expected was the incredible friendships I made while there. Through the program I made connections with people I would never have met, thought about ideas I would have never conceived of, and went to places I would never have gotten to go. Last but not least, I was supported by a wonderful coaching staff that not only helped guide me within the team, but in life. I consider myself lucky to have had the chance to be a part of such a wonderful group.
–Brenna Purcell
Team Wiki(opens in new window)
The Chico Speech and Debate Team's Wiki provides you with important information about the CSU Chico Speech and Debate Team.
Find resources to help you write and perform competitively successful speeches and debates, and some other fun and interesting stuff!
Events
Giving Day March 6, 2024