Forensics
Speech & Debate at Whitworth University
Whitworth Forensics is an interdisciplinary program that provides a rigorous intellectual experience for students interested in the exchange of ideas and in sharpening their public speaking skills. Forensics is open to all students regardless of academic major or previous public-speaking experience.
The Whitworth Forensics Team competes in intercollegiate tournaments in the Northwest Forensics Conference and in speech and debate tournaments nationwide. Team members test their skills against some of the finest speakers in the U.S. and consistently earn regional and national recognition.
The forensics program covers the costs of tournament entry fees, supplies, travel, meals and lodging, while students contribute the time, effort, enthusiasm and commitment to excellence necessary to prepare for and compete in tournaments. Students also take a one-credit course, Applied Speech: Forensics.
2024-25 Whitworth Forensics Highlights
- National champions: At the National Christian College Forensics Association’s national tournament in March 2025 at Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, Whitworth took second place in the speech competition. The Arguing Bucs also took third place in debate and fifth place overall at the Pi Kappa Delta national tournament in March at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. This is normally the largest combined speech and debate national tournament in the country.
- Unique awards: One of our four graduating seniors, Sarah Mott ’25, was recognized as the top overall competitor in the Northwest Forensics Conference. She won the prestigious Mahaffey Award (often seen as the most competitive award at the most competitive tournament in the Northwest) at the Linfield University tournament. She won the Shark Award at the Lower Columbia College tournament and was the top overall NFC competitor, winning the Brent Northup Award.