The Chico State Speech and Debate team has experienced an incredible season, winning six tournaments so far.
In February, the team took home gold in the Northern California Forensics Association Championship. At this tournament, team member Fernanda Meza was awarded the top persuasive speaker award, earning the opportunity to compete in a prestigious Interstate Oratory Competition as California’s representative.
The winner of this tournament, which will be held later this month in Gainesville, Fla., will be named the country’s top persuasive speaker.
Zivah Hartman, a freshman communication studies major, said the tournament was a great team-bonding experience.
“We have a lot of newcomers this year, including me, and the team just really takes them all in,” she said.
Hartman said speech and debate competitions are a great way to express yourself and to hear important information as a listener. She said speeches can range from relevant news to taboo topics.
“It really expands your knowledge but also gives you a team that is willing to be vulnerable in what they’re passionate about,” Hartman said.
Following their recent win, the team traveled to San Diego for the Western States Communication Association tournament, where they brought home first place in Top Four-Year University and 38 individual awards, including a sweep of the top five positions in the Open Persuasive division on day two.
Team members Piper Lakey and Meza also brought home first place in the Open Duos Division both nights. Collectively, the team brought home more than half of the awards presented and competed against some of the best collegiate teams in southern California.
On Thursday, the team held their yearly Speech Night in the Behavioral and Social Sciences building. The event included speeches in all the major categories: Informative, by Zion Fozo, which explored the possibility of uterus transplants for transgender individuals.
A Dramatic Interpretation of various monologues from the 2021 film “King Richard,” by Marcus Peoples. Impromptu, by Sheldon Colin, in which the speaker receives three prompts and must write a five-minute speech in two minutes.
Duo Interpretive by Lakey and Meza, where they gave a moving performance about the impacts of sexual assault. Finally, After Dinner Speaking, Caroline Casinghino humorously informed us about a vaccine treatment for cocaine addiction.
“I’m excited to represent Chico State in front of so many teams.” Meza said.
Lakey said she is excited to travel with the team as a family unit.
Peer coach Madison Gillen, who’s been with Speech and Debate for three years, said team communication is the most powerful skill they’ve learned.
“It’s important to have that power to properly express yourself,” Gillen said.
The Speech and Debate Team is currently preparing for Nationals, April 16-20 in Nashville, Tenn., where a team of selected students will represent Chico State against some of the most decorated teams in the country.
Caden Huntley can be reached at [email protected]
