The Tennessee Speech and Debate Society (TSDS) would like to invite you to a
series of public forum debates in the University Center. They will be held during
7:00-9:00 p.m. on the following dates:

February 16, Room 235-Shiloh Room

February 23, Crest Room (Next to 2nd Floor UC Ballroom)

March 2, Room 235-Shiloh Room

March 9, Crest Room (Next to 2nd Floor UC Ballroom)

March 23, Room 235-Shiloh Room

March 30, Room 235-Shiloh Room

April 13, Room 235-Shiloh Room

April 20, Room 235-Shiloh Room

Our organization has competed nationally against other debate teams since
being revived in 2009. This will be the first year that we will be hosting weekly
public forum events. In order to ensure that all segments of the university are
represented at the events, we are aggressively seeking attendance from
members of over twenty on-campus student organizations. We hope that you
will attend and make your voice heard on important topics.

The format of the events will be similar to procedures used by literary societies
across America at schools such as the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
and Georgetown University. While it will take a few events to obtain the exact
process that we will utilize for the remainder of the semester, several things
should remain the same throughout.

A week prior to the date set for a public forum debate, a resolution will be
released. It will be styled in the format of “The death penalty should be
eliminated” or “Nice guys finish last.” The resolutions could cover a specific
public policy topic or allow for creativity and your own interpretation like in the
“nice guys” example.

At the beginning of each event, a member of our society will give a speech in
support of the resolution and a member of our society will follow up with a
speech in opposition to the resolution. Afterward, the floor will be open for
anybody to give a speech in support or opposition to the resolution. The
speeches will probably be capped at five minutes, however that can be changed
if necessary. A moderator will be present to pick on speakers and provide
structure to the events.

After every person has been given an opportunity to debate the topic, a vote will
be taken from the audience to determine if the resolution will pass or fail. If time
is available after voting, the floor will be open for general speeches. Like the
debate, all students in attendance will be welcome to give a speech.

Our organization is incredibly excited about the opportunity to see you at an
upcoming public forum debate. While public speaking may be frightening and
take some students out of their comfort zone, we encourage all speakers to
attend and improve their oratory skills. Having a strong Speech and Debate
Society would make a significant difference in our university’s goal of attaining
“Top 25” recognition. We hope that you will help us take part in this
transformation.

If you have any remaining questions, please contact me over email or phone at
(865) 414-7599.

Sincerely,
Samuel Henninger​

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