Corey Turpin is in his second year as a member of the Forensics Team (the debate team).

Did you belong to the debate team at the high school you attended?

No. I never joined one until I took Speech 4 with Francesca Bishop (the debate team coach).

Why did you decide to join the team?

I hadn’t really done anything extracurricular-wise. Francesca said I’d do well on the team. I liked her a lot and I trusted her. I’ve always been a competitive person, too.

What is the best way for students to discuss issues and to make themselves heard?

The best way to be heard is to know what you’re talking about. Do your research. Don’t just trust what your parents tell you or what someone says; and to be heard is just to speak and try to debate instead of trying to fight.

Would you encourage others to join the team? If so, why?

I’d say anyone who wants to better themselves as a speaker and wants to better understand the world around them should join.

How can students join the team?

The way to join is to test in. You take a speech class with one of the coaches or you come to the meetings. If you show yourself efficient, you’re in.

What are the most popular topics that come up during debates?

Gay marriage, Iraq, the economy and politics. We hit those pretty much every tournament.

Do the debates ever become big arguments? If so, what happens if an explosive subject comes up?

I’ve never seen a debate generate into a brawl because parlimentary-style debate is about respect rather than acting like politicians.

Debates are not about what you believe in, but the side that you’re supposed to argue for. Oftentimes, you get the side that you personally don’t believe in, but you still have to support it. That makes a better debate because if you can prove something you don’t believe in, you’re a great debater.

What are the benefits of joining the team?

You’re always practicing to be a better speaker. The better you are as a speaker, the more successful you’re going to be because you’re going to gain the respect of others.