Speech & Debate

The University of Houston Speech & Debate Program

The University of Houston Speech & Debate Program is the home of competitive speech and debate on campus. A co-curricular program of the Honors College, it harnesses the competitive energy of UH undergraduates to engage them in research, argumentation and leadership on the grand challenges facing contemporary society. As a high-impact key engagement activity, its strategic goals are to cultivate competitive success, encourage campus engagement and foster community building across Houston and beyond.

In addition to intercollegiate competition, the program also encourages campus engagement through hosting public debates and other speech and argumentation themed activities. Attached to the leadership studies minor, the coaches of the team also offer courses on public policy, leadership and other topical issues. Currently, UH participates in four different styles of speech & debate.

The director of speech and debate is Richard A. Garner, a faculty member of the Honors College.

JOIN THE TEAM

APPLY FOR DEBATE SCHOLARSHIP

About the Program

Policy Debate
One of the longest standing debate traditions on campus, the policy debate team competes in NDT-CEDA intercollegiate policy debate. First qualifying to the National Debate Tournament in 1951, UH made it to the Elite Eight at nationals in 2014. Members are also eligible for membership in the national Speech & Debate Honor Society, Pi Kappa Delta.
Speech
Formerly known as the UH Forensics Society, the speech team competes in individual events ranging from extemporaneous speaking to dramatic duo. The team has a long history dating back to the 1960s, and its members are also eligible for PKD.
Legal Debate
UH also participates in two legal debate competitions, mock trial and moot court. Focusing on a style that prepares competitors for the courtroom, each team offers a unique opportunity for students interested in the law to learn about legal procedure and reasoning in a competitive environment.
Model Debate
Since 1988, the Honors College has participated in the national Model Arab League (MAL) conference where students model a delegation to a session of the Arab League. These simulations provide students an excellent opportunity to develop leadership skills and to learn about the social, economic, cultural and political issues facing leaders of the Arab world. Since then, the program has expanded to compete in both Model G20 and Model United Nations.