Abstract
Addressing the role of forensics in liberal arts colleges, this article argues that debate and related public speaking activities can strengthen speech communication programs despite demands on time, money, and student energy. It presents forensic activity as a way to clarify disciplinary identity, increase public visibility, attract talented students, and provide a practical laboratory for applying classroom concepts. The article discusses how public debates, intercollegiate competitions, international debate events, and community forums can help administrators and campus peers better understand the work of speech communication. It also emphasizes audience adaptation as a key learning outcome supported by forensic participation. The article contributes to communication administration by linking extracurricular activity to program vitality and student recruitment.
Recommended Citation
Delancey, Charles A.
(1984)
"The Values of Forensic Activities to Speech Communication Programs in Liberal Arts Colleges,"
Association for Communication Administration Bulletin: Vol. 47, Article 17.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/aca/vol47/iss1/17
