Texas Tech University Debate Team has a long tradition of success in collegiate forensics competition.

Above: Debate Team wins 2nd place in Texas State Speech and Debate Championships at the University of North Texas on Feb. 1, 2025

The team has won national championships in National Parliamentary Debate Association style debating (2008, 2010) and championships in individual speaking events at the American Forensic Association Championships (2002, 2003). The forensics program has a broad focus competing in a variety of debate formats including National Forensic Association Lincoln Douglas style debate (policy), International Public Debate Association style debate (impromptu), and World University style debate (British Parliamentary) in both English and Spanish.

The team also attends tournaments that offer the full range of individual speaking events. The team is very active, traveling to several tournaments, at the regional, national, and international level.  The team also competes in online tournaments. While some students who participate in the program have previous high school experience prior experience is not a requirement for participation.

A central goal of the program is to develop and practice a range of skills for students from conducting in-depth research to refining speaking skills suited to a variety of contexts. Another important goal is to provide resources and assistance to the larger community through activities like supporting debates and speaking events for the campus and high schools.

Want more information about the Debate Team?

Contact Scott Thomson for more information about the Debate Team at scott.thomson@ttu.edu 

Scott Thomson
Lecturer & Forensic Debate Coach
Department of Communication Studies
Email: scott.thomson@ttu.edu
Phone: +1.806.834.7768