For those who like to argue, Oregon State University’s Forensics Team is the group to join. During the team’s biweekly meetings, students spend hours practicing their debating skills.

And although this rehearsal serves them well in tournaments, participants say their forensics background helps them communicate more effectively in their academic and personal lives as well.

“I really enjoy speaking in front of people. I enjoy performing as a whole,” said Anna “Bamm Bamm” Prosser, a junior majoring in international studies and speech communication.

This is Prosser’s second year on the team, and she’s seen the benefits of her debate training transcend far beyond the competitive realm.

“The skills I learn on the team help me communicate better day-to-day. I organize my thoughts better and write papers better,” she said.

OSU’s Forensics Team, established in 1868, competes in individual and partner debate events around the world.

This year, the team’s roster reflects the international popularity of forensics. The

14-member group includes students from France, Syria, Pakistan, Germany, Canada, India and Vietnam.

OSU does both individual events, which are generally rehearsed speeches in categories such as persuasion or after-dinner speaking, and two-team parliamentary debates.

In debates, based on the British Parliament, government and opposition teams square off. Each team has two debaters. Partners are presented with a topic, then have 15 minutes to prepare before giving speeches and rebuttals.

The government team argues in support of a proposed resolution, generally involving public policy or opinion. The opposition team challenges the resolution.

Most debate topics involve current events, according to Trischa Goodnow, director of forensics and associate professor of speech communication at OSU. Gay marriage, the war in Iraq and health care make popular resolution prompts.

Therefore, staying up-to-date on current events is crucial to performing well in debate competitions.

Rewa Kabbani, a senior majoring in English literature, thinks being from Syria often gives her an edge in debates. Although her first language is Arabic, Kabbani grew up studying English in school.

“It’s an advantage being where I’m from,” she said. “Whenever something comes up about the Middle East, I have some background.”

Ali Malik, a freshman majoring in electrical engineering, agreed that a foreign upbringing can help in competitions. Malik’s first language is Urdu, but he learned English at an early age in his native Pakistan.

“It helps because I speak in English in a different accent. Judges like that,” he said.

Goodnow believes that the international students bring a richness to her team, and offer fresh perspectives on global events.

In December, Goodnow and seven students will travel to Dublin to compete in the World Universities Debating Championship.

“It’s the biggest learning experience you can possibly have. Watching people from all over the world interact, and seeing their perspectives on topics,” she said.

In March, OSU will host the National Parliamentary Debate Association’s National Championships. OSU’s debating season began in early October and continues through mid-April.

Mary Ann Albright covers higher education. She can be reached at maryann.albright@lee.net or 758-9518.