TENNESSEE SPEECH & DEBATE SOCIETY
Established in 1836 -- Promoting public discourse for all -- Four-time National Champions
IPDA
IPDA is the International Public Debate Association. Founded in 1997, IPDA is one of the fastest growing interscholastic debate associations in the nation with competitive programs ranging from California to Florida, from Texas to Michigan. Their mission is to provide an opportunity for individuals to develop their advocacy skills in a forum that promotes appropriate and effective communication.
NETWORKING
When you take a look at any major or future career path, both written and oral communication is necessary to stand out from the crowd. Whether you want to inspire your coworkers, write research papers, or even convince your friends who to vote for in 2020, excellent communication skills is a must. We can help you with that. After joining the team, not only do you receive weekly training in public speaking and rhetoric, but you also join a network of over 50 alumni and gain access to resources such as an LSAT database, internship opportunities, and graduate school critiques and references.
LEADERSHIP
As the only fully student-run and alumni funded team on the IPDA bracket, it's important to us to promote and allow for student leaders to take initiative in making our team, UT's campus, and eventually the world, a better place. Each year, we elect an Executive Board that leads the team in many ways such as planning for travel, working with alumni, planning public forums, budgeting, managing public relations, writing articles, and coaching other members.