Speech & Debate Team

The TJC Speech and Debate Team has been in existence for more than 60 years, and is among the very first to compete in collegiate forensics in the state of Texas. The program has a tradition of excellence. 

TJC Speech and Debate Team members may choose from all eleven of the national individual speech events (Prose Interpretation, Poetry Interpretation, Program Oral Interpretation, Duo Interpretation, Informative Speaking, Persuasive Speaking, Communication Analysis, Speech to Entertain, Impromptu Speaking and Extemporaneous Speaking), Parliamentary debate, plus Lincoln-Douglas debate, IPDA debate and Interpreter’s Theatre.

Most students end each year competing in four to six events, receiving excellent training in diverse areas from interpretation to debate. TJC travels to competitive tournaments, competing against Universities as well as Community Colleges.

TJC offers smaller classes with more personal attention by instructors, greater opportunity to perform and more. Head coach M'Liss Hindman has more than 30 years experience and is recognized with state and national awards as an outstanding educator. Assistant Coach Joan Andrews is a former National Champion in various events.

Speech and Debate students also may be involved in top-quality theatre productions. Students that compete regularly with the team are actively recruited by four-year schools for scholarship programs in both competitive speech and theatre.

"I was 18 years old and in search of my direction in life when I was pushed by my best high school friend to join him at Tyler Junior College and take part in the speech and theatre program. I had done theatre in high school, but never thought of it as something I would pursue in college or as a career. Shortly after joining the program, I was introduced to forensics and competing in speech tournaments. I have always been a competitive person and certainly loved acting. The combination of drama and sport was beyond exciting, but what it ultimately taught me about teamwork, practice, focus and sportsmanship was a great training ground for life. 

The two years I spent at Tyler Junior College and in the forensics program taught me so much about humility, teamwork, passion, focus and the importance of motivating others around you. It is pretty amazing that in the short two years I spent at Tyler Junior College it really helped me find my direction in life."

Mike Easterlin
President
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