Our award-winning speech and debate team
The Tennessee Speech and Debate Society (TSDS) is open to all students regardless of major, debate experience, or speaking skill. TSDS believes that excellent communication skills and the ability to foster civil discourse are essential for empowering engaged citizens, skilled professionals, and honorable leaders in a global society.
TSDS Activities
Members of TSDS participate in debate tournaments and the organization also has held more than 50 on-campus events since its relaunch in 2008. The team hosted national speakers such as Donna Brazile and Jason Chaffetz for public debates, in addition to public forums for local political leaders including Knoxville mayoral candidates, city council candidates, and local state representatives. The team has also hosted public debates covering topics such as federal minimum wage, net neutrality, federal funding for sanctuary cities, immigration policy, and guns on campus.
The debate team consults and coaches groups to develop public speaking and civil discourse skills. The team hosts speech and debate camps for Knoxville high school students, teaches IPDA debate lessons at local community colleges, and hosts civil engagement events in partnership with the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy.
History of TSDS
The Tennessee Speech and Debate Society came to be housed at the School of Communication Studies in 2023. The beginnings of TSDS trace back to 1826 when President Charles Coffin organized a debate club at UT, which was then known as East Tennessee College. The team achieved many successes over the years, but after a 20-plus-year hiatus, students reestablished the team in 2008 with competition in the International Public Debate Association alongside top universities in tournaments across the nation.
Since 2008, the team has operated as one of the only fully student-coached teams in the nation, winning 15 consecutive national championship titles since 2013. The team won the Tennessee debate state championship in 2010, 2019, and 2021, as well as several individual Tennessee debate varsity state champions. In 2018, the Tennessee Legislature and Governor recognized the team’s many accomplishments.
The Tennessee Speech and Debate Society provided a unique environment for personal and professional growth in my college experience. You’re surrounded by competition and teammates that will challenge all of your thoughts, beliefs, and ideas more than anyone has before. From this experience you learn how to listen, how to argue and persuade, and in the end, TSDS ultimately empowers you to be your best advocate.”
Cole A. Pawlaczyk (’22)
Former president of the Tennessee Speech and Debate Society
