Expanded Polk State Speech and Debate Team shines at FCSAA Tournament

Since last year, the Polk State College Speech and Debate Team has quadrupled in size and during this year’s FCSAA Forensics State Tournament, it made its presence felt.

As a team, Polk State finished third in the team sweepstakes – a cumulative score. In total, six teams from the Florida College System participated, putting the Eagles in the top half.

“I’m super proud,” said Christina Gesmundo, Polk State Professor of Speech and the Coach of the Speech and Debate Team. “I tell my team to have fun and find the joy. If they win, that’s icing. There are some tough competitors and our team performed really well.”

Reflections from the State Tournament

The Polk State Speech and Debate Team has four total members. Three participated in the FCSAA Forensics State Tournament on Feb. 6 and 7. Hosted by Miami Dade College, this year’s event was virtual.

“It was great to see us do so well as a team,” said Witskerbial Louis-Marc, a team member. “It shows that even though we’re a small team that we can do big things. We all watched each other even when we weren’t speaking ourselves. We’ve become a really close group that supports one another.”

For the second year in a row, Louis-Marc finished in the top three in the Persuasive Speaking event. The lone returning member, Louis-Marc placed second last year and third this year. Tasked with speaking for 10 minutes, this year’s topic centered on how homelessness can affect children.

“You have people there who are more experienced than me and to be able to finish in the top three again feels awesome,” she exclaimed. “I’m getting more comfortable with it.”

Joining Louis-Marc for Polk State at this year’s tournament were Sofia Sanchez and Ariana Kirkner. Both Louis-Marc and Sanchez competed in the IPDA Debate category. In that event, participants are given a position on a topic – either for (affirmative) or against (negative) – and 30 minutes to research it. Following those 30 minutes, each side gets a limited amount of time to make their case, cross examine the other side and rebut.

“It’s important to be able to form an argument on a topic that you don’t necessarily agree with,” Sanchez said. “It’s fun, insightful and really helps you understand others’ perspectives. Speech and debate has helped with my social anxiety. I’ve made great friends and my opponents have been really kind. I’ve become confident.”

Sanchez and Louis-Marc each participated in three IPDA debates during the tournament. All the debates were close. Sanchez even picked up a victory.

“I think of it sort of like an essay where you have an introduction, your main points and a conclusion – only you’re saying it out loud,” Sanchez explained. “We’re all at different skill levels. I was nervous, but it was fun. My teammates are dedicated, passionate and skilled and I didn’t want to let them down. Debate is something you really have to put your heart into, and the judges could see that.”

After her first year on the team, Louis-Marc took it upon herself to try to find new members during Polk State’s Student Activities and Leadership Organization’s (SALO) Club Rush and helped convince Sanchez and Kirkner to join the team. A freshman at Polk State, Sanchez spent four years in the debate club at Bartow High School.

“Sofia and Ariana joining the team has given me company and I’m so glad they’re here,” Louis-Marc said. “It’s exciting to see how our club has come to life. It has been a rewarding experience.”

Speech and Debate opportunities

Although another FCSAA Tournament has come and gone, the Speech and Debate is still accepting new members. Those interested can email Professor Gesmundo at cgesmundo@polk.edu. No experience is necessary.

“It’s not just about debating, and we offer opportunities to get involved on campus as well,” Gesmundo said. “The team is open to all students and we have scholarships, too. It’s a great opportunity to try something new, develop new skills and to grow, personally and academically.”

In addition to debate and speech, the team has opportunities for those interested in creative expression such as poetry or to introduce guest speakers at College events. A Criminal Justice major who is now in the Bachelor of Science Program, Louis-Marc was given the opportunity to speak in August at Polk State Convocation – a welcome back event for faculty and staff.

“It doesn’t matter what you plan on doing in life, you’re going to have to speak,” Louis-Marc reflected. “If you’re interested in doing research in your career, this helps with that as well. (Speech and Debate) is a great way to learn, no matter what your goals are.”

Sanchez offered similar sentiments. In her short time on the Speech and Debate Team, she attests to the benefits.

“It’s great for people who want to improve their public speaking skills, but I’ve also learned to research and become more critical of source material,” Sanchez added. “There’s something for everyone. I used to struggle with formulating thoughts and expressing that into words. It’s helped me as a communicator in day-to-day life. I’ve learned a lot about modern topics and feel more comfortable engaging critically online. I love it.”