Forensics Team Performs, Communicates And Debates Its Way To awards And Community

After debating, performing and analyzing a variety of topics virtually against competitors from around the country, a handful of students returned to Green Hall Room 1370A for an equally pressing matter: to argue about where to find the best meatball sub in Lynchburg. 

The Liberty University Forensics Speech Team competed in 11 traditional forensics events and parliamentary debate, bringing home 17 individual awards and one team awards from the 2021 National College Forensics Invitational March 25-28. 

Liberty’s team unites students from a variety of majors, backgrounds and communication skills.

“Everyone is in different stages of life regarding what year they are, where they are in their faith, where they are at as a speaker or communicator —all those things,” Kay Wills, a fourth-year team member, said. “It’s like a family, and I’m really grateful how God’s brought everyone together.”

Denise Thomas, who has been coaching the team since 2015, said she enjoys listening to students form community around the table in the forensics lab as they share their perspectives about current issues, faith and personal struggles.

“The students on this team have been really intentional about creating a community for each other,” Thomas said. “They work together, they challenge each other, they encourage each other, they hold each other accountable.” 

Thomas highlights the many skills students develop through competing in forensics, such as career, networking and academic skills. She also noted the personal growth she has seen among her students.

“I’ve seen so many students mature and grow, not only in their confidence, but spiritually and emotionally as well and how they function within the community,” Thomas said. “This is a pretty cool place to be.” 

Wills, a senior studying social work with a minor in global studies, appreciates the public speaking skills she has developed through forensics that she applies to her major and, soon, her career.

“In social work, you have to be able to advocate for clients and understand the importance of social justice,” Wills said. “In forensics, you are taught how to research, critically think and understand social issues.” 

Forensics events fall under three categories: platform speaking, limited-preparation events and performance events. 

Platform speaking includes informative, persuasive, communication analysis and after-dinner speaking. Wills has given an informative speech about Arabic Sesame Street and how it aids refugee children, as well as a communication analysis addressing Islamophobia. 

In the limited-preparation events: impromptu, extemporaneous and parliamentary debate, the competitors do not know the topic until they start the round. 

“Those are fun,” Thomas said. “They’re challenging, but they’re fun. They scare a lot of people.”

Performance events include prose, poetry, program oral interpretation and duo. Competitors do not write the material, but rather perform the words of someone else. Several tournaments also offer unique events, such as public narrative and oral interpretation of faith literature.

Wills has competed in almost all speech categories at some point in her forensics career. She first joined a forensics team her junior year of high school and enjoys the interpretive events that require acting and room for creative freedom. 

“I liked theater, but it was always very competitive, especially being a woman,” Wills said. “I felt like forensics was an opportunity for me to have my own voice.”

Wills began competing in platform events in college. She earned first place in both communication analysis and informative speaking at the 2021 National College Forensics Invitational, as well as three other awards. However, she said her favorite memories are from the times spent building community with her teammates in between rounds of competition.

“In the moments where you can just sit and talk, you’re reminded that forensics is so much more,” Wills said. “It’s learning how to connect with people and share stories that matter.” 

Wills plans to join the FEMA Corp of the AmeriCorps NCCC after she graduates in May. She recalls the ways that forensics has brought her out of her shell and introduced her to talents and skills she did not realize she had. Forensics has been a significant part of her life, shaping her desire to help others. 

“I’m believing God can still use research, analyzing information and advocating, even if it might look different,” Wills said. “Sharing stories that matter and advocating for other people – that’s what I’m taking away from it.”

Both Thomas and Wills urged Liberty students to give the forensics team a try, regardless of whether or not they have prior experience. 

“It seems like a very scary skill to grow in, but forensics meets you where you are at and helps you grow from there, even if it takes baby steps,” Wills said. 

Renee Farmer is a Feature Reporter. Follow her on Twitter at @reneefarmerr.