Truman Forensic Union to Host "Truman Speaks" Campus Forums
The Truman Forensic Union, the University's intercollegiate speech and debate program, will host “Truman Speaks,” a series of public debates and forums, during the next 90 days. These events are part of a national program called “The People Speak.” “The People Speak” program is sponsored nationally by the International Debate Education Association, the Soros Foundation and the United Nations Foundation. “The People Speak” program is sponsored nationally by the International Debate Education Association, the Soros Foundation and the United Nations Foundation. The program’s goal is getting as many people as possible to come together in discussions about issues of international concern. Specifically these events focus on discussions of America’s role in the United Nations and its cooperation with the world body in addressing issues of war, poverty, terrorism and environmental degradation.
The Forensic Union will sponsor seven such events, including one featuring the National Debate Team of the United Kingdom. The first event is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., Sept. 13, in the Student Union Building Spanish Room.
Students, faculty and community guests are encouraged to attend, watch the debate, and engage in audience discussion and commentary at the conclusion. Each debate features representatives of Truman’s nationally-recognized debate team.
The debate on Oct. 3 will be against the British National Team. It will be the first such international exchange with Truman since the British battled the then defending national champion Bulldogs in a demonstration debate in October 2000.
“We hope the British presence will add some flavor to the series,” Kevin Minch, associate professor of communication and director of forensics, said. “They are the best the UK—if not the world—has to offer and they are always intelligent, witty and formidable speakers.”
Students in various communication courses are participating in the “Truman Speaks” events in an effort to integrate the forums with their classroom experiences. Professors across campus are encouraged to use these events to the benefit of their classes as well. Faculty interested in working with the Forensic Union to develop assignments or class discussion ideas related to the events are encouraged to contact Shane Puckett, assistant forensics coach and instructor in communication, who will be coordinating the events.
For more information on “Truman Speaks,” contact Puckett at spuckett@truman.edu or 785.7645.
The Forensic Union will sponsor seven such events, including one featuring the National Debate Team of the United Kingdom. The first event is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., Sept. 13, in the Student Union Building Spanish Room.
Students, faculty and community guests are encouraged to attend, watch the debate, and engage in audience discussion and commentary at the conclusion. Each debate features representatives of Truman’s nationally-recognized debate team.
The debate on Oct. 3 will be against the British National Team. It will be the first such international exchange with Truman since the British battled the then defending national champion Bulldogs in a demonstration debate in October 2000.
“We hope the British presence will add some flavor to the series,” Kevin Minch, associate professor of communication and director of forensics, said. “They are the best the UK—if not the world—has to offer and they are always intelligent, witty and formidable speakers.”
Students in various communication courses are participating in the “Truman Speaks” events in an effort to integrate the forums with their classroom experiences. Professors across campus are encouraged to use these events to the benefit of their classes as well. Faculty interested in working with the Forensic Union to develop assignments or class discussion ideas related to the events are encouraged to contact Shane Puckett, assistant forensics coach and instructor in communication, who will be coordinating the events.
For more information on “Truman Speaks,” contact Puckett at spuckett@truman.edu or 785.7645.
