SMU debater Eric Ryan was recognized as the second speaker overall at the International Forensics Association Tournament in Tokyo, Japan (March 13-14). Ryan also advanced to the elimination rounds of impromptu speaking and extemporaneous speaking. Kaleb Simes was the fourth overall seeded debater after going undefeated in the four preliminary debate rounds of the tournament before losing in the octafinals. SMU debaters advanced to the quarterfinals and octafinals of varsity levels of the International Public Debate Association tournament at the International Forensics Association Tournament in Tokyo. By advancing, Kaleb and Eric won Bronze and Silver awards for SMU. SMU debaters won more than 60% of their debate rounds in Tokyo and were represented by Kaleb Simes, Eric Ryan, Hailey Hazen, and Davis Lynn. SMU student competed in IPDA debate, informative speaking, persuasive speaking, extemporaneous speaking, communication analysis, and impromptu speaking. SMU won the IPDA world championship in 2022 with Ryan Booth.
SMU will compete in Boise, Idaho this week for the national championship in IPDA debate March 23-25). SMU Speech and Debate is sponsored by Dedman College and collaborates with the Honors program in Clements Hall. SMU Speech and Debate has a pedagogical mission of equipping individuals to have their voice. The program is directed by Dr. Ben Voth, professor of rhetoric.
For more information, contact Dr. Voth at bvoth@smu.edu.