Wayne State University Speech & Debate Teams

A Motor City Tradition Since 1918

Beginning in 1918, the Wayne State forensics program has produced hundreds of team and individual debate and speech champions. Our students have won the National Delta Sigma Rho-Tau Kappa Alpha Championship eight times, placed first at the National Forensics Association (NFA) Championship, placed second at the National Debate Tournament (NDT) twice and won the NDT top speaker award, won the American Debate Association national championship, placed among the top 10 at the NFA and National Individual Events Tournament and have won virtually every major national debate tournament at least once. Debate and speech team activities provide students with rigorous training and opportunities to sharpen speaking and critical thinking skills. In addition, we provide a great amount of outreach to local middle school and high school forensics programs and campus critical thinking activities.


If you are a Wayne State student or are considering joining the team, read on and e-mail us soon or stop by the 5th floor of Manoogian Hall! If you are visiting our page from another team, welcome! The Wayne State University forensics program has established a long tradition of competition in both team policy debate and individual events.


We are supported by and housed in the Wayne State Department of Communication,the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts (CFPCA) and the Office of the President.

Be Inspired! Join us at Wayne State University College of Fine Performing & Communication Arts!