The American Forensic Association is an American organisation which promotes and supports

competitive debating Debate is a process that involves formal discourse, discussion, and oral addresses on a particular topic or collection of topics, often with a moderator and an audience. In a debate, arguments are put forward for opposing viewpoints. Historica ...

and

public speaking Public speaking, is the practice of delivering speeches to a live audience. Throughout history, public speaking has held significant cultural, religious, and political importance, emphasizing the necessity of effective rhetorical skills. It all ...

in high schools and colleges in the United States.

Members

* Cross Examination Debate Association * National Parliamentary Debate Association * American Debate Association * International Debate Education Association

Publications and research

The association publishes several scholarly journals including: * Argumentation and Advocacy * The Journal of the American Forensic Association * The AFA Newsletter

Collegiate competitions

The association holds two collegiate national tournaments annually. The tournaments brings students from across the nation to compete for national championships in both individual events and debate. Students reach the tournaments through a rigorous at-large and district qualification system verified by organizational officers. Since their inception, the tournaments have served hundreds of colleges and universities and thousands of students. The tournaments include: * National Speech Tournament (commonly known as AFA-NST) * National Debate Tournament (commonly known as AFA-NDT)

References

Bibliography

* Hagood, A. D. (1951). ''The American forensic association in the south''. in ''The Southern Speech Journal'', 16(3), 228–229. * Klumpp, J. F. (2000). ''Organizing a Community and Responding to Its Needs: The First Fifty Years of the American Forensic Association.'' in ''Argumentation and Advocacy'', 37(1), 12–27.

External links