About the Team
Debate was at the center of medieval learning when universities first began and is an important part of a strong liberal arts foundation. Training and involvement in competitive debate provides valuable experience in public speaking, application of logic to complex issues, and improving rhetorical expression.
The benefits to civic engagement include developing an open mind to consider opposing opinions, the capacity to evaluate and respond to counter-arguments, and a strengthened ability to defend tested convictions persuasively and confidently – especially in answering objections to the Christian faith.
Team members are given the opportunity to travel nationwide for competition, earning awards and scholarships through excellence in both individual and team competition.
Furthermore, debate offers more than just an educational competitive environment – it provides fruitful opportunities to form community and friends. From teammates to competitors from other schools, participation creates many open doors that lead to friendships and bonds with those competing in the same activity.
JOIN THE TEAM
There are multiple benefits of debate, which include valuable experience in public speaking, application of logic to complex issues, and improving rhetorical expression. All accepted students are eligible for Dallas Baptist University's debate scholarship, totaling $1,000 per year towards tuition for each member.
APPLYABOUT THE TEAM
The Dallas Baptist University Debate Team competes on a regional and national level through the International Public Debate Association (IPDA), a respected collegiate forensics league. Beginning competition in 2021, the vision of the program is; To inspire speakers for Christ using formal debate as a tool to strengthen civil skills and confidence in faith. Largely student-run with a faculty sponsor, weekly Thursday meetings from 7:00-9:00 pm include lessons, drills, and practice rounds designed to hone skills and prepare students for competition against universities nationwide.
TEAM ROSTERABOUT THE LEAGUE
Founded in 1997, the goal of the International Public Debate Association (IPDA) is to promote a highly rhetorical and oratorical style of public speaking. Seeking to provide an alternative to the fast-paced and highly technical format typically associated with collegiate forensics, IPDA offers a style of extemporaneous debate characterized by limited preparation and short speaking times. Debates are 1v1 (with an additional 2v2 format available for advanced students) and competitors are separated into divisions ranging from novice to professional.
IPDA Website