Student giving a speech at front of classroom

Speech & Debate

Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµÍø's (CWI) Speech and Debate team is one of the oldest and most successful programs at the College. The team has earned several national titles and a multitude of regional and conference awards, on top of a significant number of individuals awards each season.

  • Members of the Speech and Debate team (COMM 114) are taught skills in research, public speaking, and argument and are provided opportunities to refine these skills in preparation for intercollegiate competitions.
  • Former competitors have gone on to compete for university teams, receive scholarships, become Pi Kappa Delta All-Americans, and more. Some have gone on to achieve master's and doctorate degrees, practice law, and even run for public office.

Join the Team

We are looking for students who are hard-working, have an open mind, and are willing and able to compete and travel with the team. Prior experience is not necessary, and students from any major are welcome! In addition to school, many of our competitors have found success while also balancing a job or family. While the list of accolades and achievements of this team may seem overwhelming, the barrier to join is likely lower than you expect. We would love for you to be part of our ongoing story of success!

For more information about joining CWI’s Speech and Debate team, contact Julia Bennett at juliabennett@cwi.edu

Coaches

News

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Six students stand in front of a curtain

CWI Speech & Debate earns six individual awards and three team honors at the Dugaw Smelt Classic. The team also secures a season-long Silver Award in the NFC.

Read more about Speech and Debate Opens Spring with Strong Finish at Dugaw Smelt Classic
CWI Speech and Debate team posing in front of statue

CWI's Speech and Debate team kicked off the 2025-2026 season with a strong performance at the Fran Tanner Open.

Read more about Speech and Debate Kicks Off 2025 Season at Fran Tanner Open
Speech and Debate in front of Mt. Hood

Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµÍøâ€™s Speech and Debate team returned triumphant from the Steve Hunt Classic at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, on Oct. 14 and 15, after securing a...

Read more about Speech and Debate Team Secures Victory at Steve Hunt Classic
Speech and Debate team pose with award

CWI's Speech and Debate team is back from the Fran Tanner Tournament hosted by College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls — returning as outright tournament champions!

Read more about Speech and Debate Start Season with Big Win
CWI Speech and Debate Team posing for a picture

Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµÍøâ€™s Speech and Debate team was recognized as the top Northwest Forensics Conference school in debate for the 2022-2023 season — marking the first time a community...

Read more about CWI Speech and Debate Team Dominates and Makes History Once Again
CWI Speech and Debate Team

Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµÍøâ€™s Speech and Debate team made history this past weekend beating every team, regardless of division, at the Steve Hunt Classic Tournament.

Read more about Speech and Debate Team Makes History in Portland
Speech and Debate team members competing virtually from cubicles on campus during their first tournament of the 2020-2021 season

Congratulations to CWI’s Speech and Debate team who took third place overall at their season opener hosted virtually by College of Southern Idaho.

Read more about Speech and Debate Begins 2020-2021 Competitive Season
2019-2020 Speech and Debate Team

The College’s Speech and Debate team is enjoying some downtime after a very successful start to the spring tournament schedule.

Read more about A Successful Spring Start for Speech and Debate
Members of CWI's Speech and Debate team at

CWI’s national championship Speech and Debate team started off their 2019-2020 season at the Fran Tanner Invitational.

Read more about Speech and Debate Begins 2019-2020 Competitive Season
Members of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµÍø Speech and Debate team

Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµÍøâ€™s Speech and Debate team finishes first among community colleges at Mahaffey Memorial Collegiate Forensics Tournament.

Read more about Speech and Debate Finishes First at Mahaffey Memorial
2018-19 Speech and Debate Team

Full results for the 2018-19 Speech and Debate team's first tournament.

Read more about Speech and Debate Starts Strong for 2018-19
Follow Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµÍø's Speech and Debate team as they prepare for Nationals!

Follow Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµÍø's Speech and Debate team as they prepare for Nationals.

Read more about Speech and Debate: On the Road to Victory