Speech and Debate FAQ

How do I join?

Membership on the MSU Speech and Debate Council is open to all MSU students interested in promoting civil debate at MSU and beyond. Membership on the MSU Debate Team is by tryout held each August and open to all MSU students. For more information either the Council or on tryouts, contact us at debate@msstate.edu. 

What events does MSU Debate compete in?

The team competes in debate under the International Public Debate Association (IPDA), which is the largest intercollegiate debating association in the country. IPDA events focus on a balanced style of debating, combining logic and reasoning with engaging delivery. It is a one-on-one extemporaneous form of debate with topics selected thirty minutes before each round of competition.

Divisions are based on experience, with the novice and junior varsity divisions for newer debaters, a varsity division for experienced debaters, and professional division open to graduate students and even faculty. IPDA also features a two-on-two team division open to all experience levels.