McNeese’s Speech and Debate Team Cultivates Leaders

McNeese State University’s Speech and Debate Team helps cultivate the leaders of tomorrow by preparing students through participation in effective communication and autonomous decision making. 

Director Tryfon Boukouvidis, McNeese mass communication instructor, is looking forward to another year of students continuing to polish their skills while creating lifelong memories and says effective communication helps them become more confident and proficient in classroom discussions, presentations, job interviews and job-related meetings.  

“Students find a community of like-minded thinkers, who learn how to travel, compete and overcome challenges together,” says Boukouvidis. “They polish their analytical skills and develop a robust public speaking skillset that will accompany them for life.” 

Caleb Wilson, vice president of the team, urges students to join the organization for the community element and to develop expertise that prepares them for future careers. He has gained interpersonal communication skills, empathy, research skills and time management.  

Typically, students are excited to travel and compete with the team, but it isn’t required that members do so. For those that do enjoy competing, McNeese has been a top 10% speech and debate program in the country for the past two years based on the American Forensic Association and the National Forensic Association tournament rankings.   

Salisha Felix, the team’s secretary, would encourage other students to join because the team offers something that goes far beyond competitions or trophies—it gives you a voice and a platform to use it.  

“Everyone has a story, a message or an experience worth sharing, and the team helps you discover the power of communicating with confidence and purpose,” says Felix. 

“I am incredibly proud of our students’ discipline and composure under challenging and at times unpredictable situations,” Boukouvidis says. “I am also very proud of the environment the team facilitates for our students to express their ideas with respect, skill and confidence.” 

Both Felix and Wilson agree that the environment and community built among the team are unmatched.  

“The activity encourages novelty and advancement of ideas, allowing students to stay engaged and not become stagnant. The students push themselves to grow with the support of their team members,” says Wilson. 

All majors are welcome to join the team. Meetings are held every Monday at 4 p.m. in Kaufman Room 205.