Compete with Excellence. Communicate with Conviction.
If you are looking for a Christian university with a nationally competitive speech and debate team, Cedarville offers an environment where excellence and conviction come together.
Students who join the forensics team are coached and challenged to think carefully, speak clearly, and represent Christ with integrity. Participation requires commitment and active engagement as team members practice together and prepare for competition, encouraging one another in the pursuit of excellence.
Whether you competed in speech and debate in high school or are exploring competitive speech and debate for the first time, there is a place for you here.
What Is Forensics?
At the college level, forensics refers to competitive speech and debate. Competitors represent Cedarville at tournaments throughout the academic year, competing in a variety of public speaking, debate, and acting events that develop research, reasoning, writing, and performance skills.
Speech and debate participation prepares individuals for leadership in the classroom, church, workplace, and public square. Competitors learn to articulate ideas clearly, engage opposing viewpoints respectfully, and communicate conviction with composure.
Speech Events
Cedarville competes in a range of public speaking events across three primary categories:
Public Address
- Persuasive Speaking
- Informative Speaking
- After Dinner Speaking
- Rhetorical Criticism
Oral Interpretation
- Prose
- Dramatic Interpretation
- Poetry
- Programmed Oral Interpretation
- Duo Interpretation
Limited Preparation
- Extemporaneous Speaking
- Impromptu Speaking
- News Broadcasting
Competitors work closely with the coach to select events that align with their strengths and goals. Each event strengthens a different dimension of communication, from performance art to critical thinking and research.
Debate Events
Cedarville competes in public debate in connection with the , a one-on-one, limited-preparation debate format used by collegiate programs across the country.
In each round, competitors receive five possible resolutions 30 minutes before competition. After eliminating topics with their opponent, one resolution remains. Competitors prepare and then debate head-to-head in a structured round that tests research, organization, logic, and delivery.
IPDA debate develops the ability to think under pressure, research efficiently, construct persuasive arguments, and engage contemporary issues thoughtfully. Individuals interested in law, public policy, ministry, business, and leadership often find this process formative.
Why Speech and Debate at Cedarville?
The forensics team at Cedarville develops communicators who pursue excellence for the glory of God and the good of others.
Team members graduate with strengthened critical thinking, confidence in public speaking, experience engaging cultural issues, and close mentorship within a team environment.
Commitment and Team Structure
Joining the forensics team requires structured commitment that is designed to support academic and competitive success.
The team attends several tournaments in both the fall and spring semesters, with most competitions lasting one to one-and-a-half days. Competitors participate in a minimum number of fall tournaments and compete at state and national tournaments in the spring.
Weekly team meetings, practice sessions, and regular one-on-one coaching provide consistent development. By the spring semester, most team members compete in three to five primary events, allowing for depth and refinement.
This commitment builds discipline, accountability, and teamwork while supporting strong academic performance.
All Majors Welcome
The speech and debate team at Cedarville is open to individuals from every major. Communication, business, education, history and government, ministry, psychology, and prelaw students regularly compete.
Participation may count for course credit (check with your advisor) and reinforces principles studied in the classroom. For all competitors, the program strengthens professional readiness and leadership capacity.
Auditions and Scholarships
Students seeking a Christian college with speech and debate scholarships will find Cedarville both competitive and accessible.
Auditions
Forensics team auditions are held in early April and during the first week of the fall semester. Prospective competitors present two of the following:
- A five- to seven-minute persuasive or informative speech
- A five- to seven-minute oral interpretation
- A five-minute impromptu speech
- A 20-minute IPDA-style debate round
Those new to speech and debate may request guidance on preparation expectations.
Scholarships
Auditionees are automatically considered for scholarships. Scholarships may be awarded based on prior experience and financial need, and no additional scholarship application is required beyond audition and acceptance. Scholarships are reassessed annually.
Have questions? Email the Forensics Team.
Competitive Excellence
Cedarville competes in the National Christian College Forensics Association, the National Forensics Association, Pi Kappa Delta, and the Ohio Forensics Association.
The team consistently earns state and national recognition while maintaining the character expected of Cedarville representatives. Competitors are trained to pursue excellence with discipline and integrity.
Forensics in the News
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Cedarville Repeats as Ohio Forensics State Champion
ÌÇÐĹÙÍø’s forensics team repeated as Ohio Forensics Association state champion, sweeping overall speech and debate titles while hosting Feb. 20-21. The team produced nine individual champions, 38 finalists and two national qualifiers. -
Forensics Team Sweeps Tournament
ÌÇÐĹÙÍø’s forensics team dominated Ohio University’s 1804 Tournament Jan. 23-24, winning 14 event titles and taking first in speech and debate. Senior Nathanael Kolssak earned top speaker honors as Cedarville swept the extemporaneous final.