Seven New Debaters Find Their Voices at Walters State Tournament

They were excited. They were nervous. And for seven Walters State students, they were about to debate competitively for the first time. 

Walters State recently hosted the 21st annual Smoky Mountain Parliamentary Debate Tournament, bringing four schools and 16 teams to campus for a day of fast-moving competition. 

Unlike debate formats built around weeks of research, parliamentary debate gives two-person teams about 15 minutes to prepare after learning their topic. They then have to build a case, anticipate the opposition and think on their feet through an hour-long round. 

For Walters State Assistant Professor of Communication and Director of Debate Belle Elliott, the tournament is as much about helping students find their voices as it is about winning rounds. 

We asked Elliott about the tournament, Walters State’s new debaters and what students gain from the experience. 

Seven Walters State students competed in their first debate tournament. What was it like watching them? 

“They’re excited, they’re terrified, and they’re exhilarated,” Elliott said. “It’s so invigorating to see new individuals start to develop their voices.” 

Four preliminary rounds gave new debaters something especially valuable: another chance. 

“You get to start over enough to feel comfortable with the start,” Elliott said. “After two or three rounds, you start seeing them get more confident in their case construction and in how they respond to different questions or situations.” 

Those skills extend well beyond competition, she said. Students learn to think critically, respond quickly and speak convincingly even when they may not feel confident. 

They also learn that sometimes the right answer is simply, “I don’t know.” 

“The willingness to say that — and explain why you might not be able to answer a specific argument or question — is a skill we can take outside of this activity as well.” 

Several Walters State students earned individual speaker awards. What do those awards recognize? 

Speaker awards recognize something different from simply winning a debate. 

“They’re tied specifically to the speaking ability of the participants,” Elliott said. 

Walters State’s tournament places particular emphasis on new competitors, including a beginner novice category for students who have never debated before. The awards recognize students who can communicate information clearly and persuasively while handling the demands of an extemporaneous debate. 

This was the tournament’s 21st year. What has allowed it to last? 

For Elliott, the answer is simple: community. 

“We literally could not put this event on without community support,” she said. 

Volunteer judges give their time to listen to and evaluate arguments. Walters State alumni, employees, retirees, families and others have supported the program over the years, creating opportunities for generations of students. 

Elliott said one of her favorite parts of organizing the tournament is hearing from people who remember the debate program from their own time at Walters State — or who have watched its impact on students through the years. 

“The community that has worked to support and sustain this program has given so many students opportunities to explore themselves and the power their voices hold,” Elliott said. “The community support sustains this program.” 

Walters State’s debate team has enjoyed tremendous success through the years. Get involved and learn about some of the clubs available to students at Walters State.