Golden Eagle Speech & Debate
Find Your Voice. Build Your Confidence. Compete Nationally.
The Laramie County Community College Speech Team is a competitive speech program where students develop skills in public speaking, critical thinking, argumentation, performance, and leadership while competing at regional and national tournaments. The team welcomes students from all majors and all experience levels, including those new to speech and debate.
As a member of Phi Rho Pi, the National Junior and Community College Forensic Association, LCCC students compete in online and in-person tournaments throughout the academic year. Teams typically attend three to four tournaments each semester, culminating with the prestigious Phi Rho Pi National Tournament each spring.
Why Join the LCCC Speech Team?
Personalized Coaching
Students receive individualized coaching from experienced educators and competitors. Head Coach Ashley Schulz was recognized as the National Speech and Debate Association's Assistant Coach of the Year in 2024, and LCCC faculty bring decades of coaching and competitive experience.
Build Career-Ready Skills
Speech and debate helps students develop:
- Public speaking
- Critical thinking
- Research and analysis
- Leadership
- Storytelling
- Interviewing
- Time management
These are among the most valuable skills sought by employers across all industries.
Travel and Compete
Students have opportunities to compete throughout the region and attend national tournaments with financial support from LCCC. Upcoming national tournaments are scheduled for Los Angeles in 2027 and Chicago in 2028.
Belong to a Supportive Community
The speech team is a welcoming environment where students can take risks, gain confidence, and connect with others who share a passion for communication and competition.
Competition Events
Students can compete in a wide variety of speech and debate events, including:
Interpretation of Literature
- Prose Interpretation
- Dramatic Interpretation
- Poetry Interpretation
- Duo Interpretation
- Program Oral Interpretation (POI)
Public Address Events
- Persuasive Speaking
- Informative Speaking
- Speech to Entertain (STE)
- Communication Analysis (CA)
Limited Preparation Events
- Extemporaneous Speaking
- Impromptu Speaking
Whether your interests are performance, advocacy, storytelling, or competition, there is an event that fits your strengths and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need high school speech and debate experience?
No. Prior experience is helpful but not required. We welcome students of all backgrounds and skill levels. The only requirement is a willingness to learn, work hard, and participate actively.
What does competition look like?
LCCC competes in multiple tournaments throughout the academic year, typically attending three to four competitions each semester. The season concludes with the Phi Rho Pi National Tournament in April, the nation's premier full-service championship tournament for community colleges.
How much time does participation require?
Your level of involvement depends on your goals. Most students attend weekly team meetings and regularly meet with coaching staff to prepare and refine their competitive events.
Can I participate in other activities?
Absolutely. Many speech team members are involved in athletics, student leadership, clubs, employment, and academic programs. We believe in helping students achieve a well-rounded college experience.
Who can join?
Any LCCC student enrolled in at least six credit hours is eligible to participate. Students can join at any time, though the best opportunity is at the beginning of the academic year when the competitive season begins.
Are scholarships available?
Yes. Scholarships are available for interested students who are committed to participating on the team. For more information, contact Ashley Schulz at aschulzFREELARAMIE.