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Join DSUW for the 2025 - 2026 Season!
We are so excited to welcome new members for the 2025-26 season! We'll have multiple information sessions, which are required in order to get the link for the tryout form. Come meet the team, get your questions answered, and see first-hand what being part of DSUW is like!
Our practices are Mondays and Wednesdays from 6–8 PM, so please make sure you can commit to those times before trying out.
If you cannot attend any of these sessions and would still like to try out, please contact us.
Information Session Dates - Autumn 2025
★ September 23 | in-person, 5:30 - 6:00 PM, SIG 225
★ September 24 | zoom, 5:30 - 6:00 PM
★ September 25 | in-person, 5:30 - 6:00 PM, SIG 225
★ September 26 | zoom, 5:30 - 6:00 PM
What is IPDA Debate?
IPDA (International Public Debate Association) is a one-on-one debate format that emphasizes clear communication, adaptability, and persuasive reasoning.
Format:
Each round features one affirmative debater and one negative debater. At the start, you choose a topic from a set of five options, then you have 30 minutes to prepare your case for your assigned side.
Judging:
IPDA rounds are often judged by laypeople and coaches of other teams. At our practices, practice debates are judged by other students. This encourages natural argumentation rather than overly technical jargon.
Skills You Develop:
IPDA helps you to think on your feet, organize ideas quickly, and present arguments clearly and persuasively. You'll learn how to respond to unexpected arguments, building confidence in public speaking.
So why is it fun?
"Each round is like a brand new challenge, and you get to argue about all kinds of topics. I always end up really passionate about whichever side I’m on, so it’s a fun way to learn while staying on top of current events.”
What is BP Debate?
BP (British Parliamentary) is a fast-paced, team-based format with four teams competing in each round. It's all about strategy, collaboration, and thinking on your feet.
Format:
Each round has four teams of two people with two teams on the "government" side and two on the "opposition" side. These teams work together to construct arguments, often responding to the positions of the other teams as the round unfolds. This format emphasizes both individual skill and teamwork.
Practice vs Competition:
While IPDA is our main focus, BP gives members the chance to try new skills and strategies in select tournaments. If you're interested in BP or other debate formats, let us know!
Skills You Develop:
BP teaches advanced team argumentation, strategic thinking, and collaboration. You'll learn to read your opponents, adjust your approach on the fly, and deliver compelling arguments in a dynamic environment.
So why is it fun?
"BP gives you less prep time, which I like. You don’t rely on evidence and come up with arguments on the spot, reacting to your teammates and opponents. Plus, passing notes with your partner to 'strategize' makes it a really fun team experience."
What are Competitive Speech Events?
Speech events let you explore public speaking, performance, and creativity. If you've got any affinity for acting, these events are for you! We compete in three main categories:
Limited Prep Events (LPs):
Impromptu Speaking: Respond to a prompt (quote, proverb, cartoon, etc) in seven minutes. Focuses on quick thinking and persuasive skills.
Extemporaneous Speaking: Choose a current events topic, prepare for 30 minutes, and deliver a seven minute speech.
Platform Events (Plats/PAs):
Persuasive: Inspire or persuade an audience with a 10-minute original speech.
Informative: Explain a topic clearly and engagingly
After-Dinner Speaking: A humorous speech designed to entertain while making a point.
Interpretive Events (Interps):
Prose, Poetry, or Dramatic Interpretation: Perform selections from literary works, focusing on narrative, language, or character.
Duo Interpretation: Two performers present multiple characters, emphasizing interaction and storytelling.
Program Oral Interpretation (POI): Combine selections from different genres into a thematically linked program.
So why is it fun?
"Doing speech means I get to talk about whatever I want for ten whole minutes and people have to listen. You can also pick events that play to your strengths, so there's more freedom and flexibility than debate."
Commitment Overview
We hold regular practices on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00–8:00 PM, with occasional workshops before major tournaments.
There is a quarterly membership fee, and when we travel to tournaments, you’ll only be responsible for covering the tournament fee and your own food. If covering expenses is ever a concern, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we never want finances to be a barrier to joining or participating in DSUW.
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