Members of the Redhawk Speech and Debate Team at Southeast Missouri State University are stepping fearlessly into the national spotlight, showcasing their talent and determination while representing SEMO among the nation’s top collegiate speakers.
The National Speech Championship brings together students from universities across the country to compete in a variety of speech and debate events. The SEMO team delivered a strong performance with two students advancing to the quarterfinals. Trey Lintner, Redhawk Speech and Debate Team vice president, earned a quarterfinal placement in dramatic interpretation, and Erin Jenkins advanced in informative speaking.
Lintner is a sophomore double majoring in mass communications: tv and film and theatre. He says it’s fulfilling to work alongside teammates to improve his speaking skills, and it’s especially emotional for his mother, who was a part of the speech and debate team during her time at SEMO.
I’M INTERESTED IN SPEECH AND DEBATE
“This team has helped me find a place where I belong at SEMO,” said Lintner. “I’m constantly improving my speaking, reasoning and improvisation skills. Competing in dramatic interpretation allows me to use storytelling to advocate for what I believe in. Speech and debate has been the perfect opportunity to practice effectively communicating and listening in a way that will take me far in the professional world.”
SEMO students prepared for the competition through consistent practice and collaboration throughout the academic year. The team meets weekly to rehearse performances, exchange feedback and refine their work, with many pieces evolving over months of revision and competition experience.
“Tournaments are fun, challenging and rewarding,” said Noah Smentkowski, communication studies and modern languages instructor and speech and debate team coach. “They allow students to grow their skills, share topics they are passionate about and build lasting friendships with teammates and competitors from across the country.”
SEMO continues to deliver experience-driven learning opportunities that empower students to grow as confident communicators and leaders. If you want to be a part of a nationally recognized team, visit semo.edu/comm-studies-languages today.