The Arkansas Communication & Theatre Arts Association (ACTAA) is the official organization sanctioned by the Arkansas Activities Association (AAA) to govern interscholastic speech, debate, and theatre competitions between AAA member schools in Arkansas. In addition to hosting the state title competition for high school, ACTAA sanctions all speech and debate activities in Arkansas.

Big questions

Big Questions (BQ) is a debate format supported by a generous grant from the John Templeton Foundation. In Big Questions debate, students grapple with complex worldview questions concerning the intersection of science, philosophy, and religion. Debaters may choose to debate individually or with a partner. At any given tournament, there may be rounds that are one-on-one, two-on-one, or two-on-two. Big Questions topics last all year from August to June.

Event details

CongressionAl Debate

A simulation of the U.S. legislative process in the Senate and the House, students generate a series of bills and resolutions for debate in Congressional Debate. Debaters (also referred to as Senators and Representatives) alternate delivering speeches for and against the topic in a group setting. An elected student serves as a presiding officer to ensure debate flows smoothly. Students are assessed on their research, argumentation, and delivery skills, as well as their knowledge and use of parliamentary procedure.

Event details

Lincoln Douglas Debate

Lincoln-Douglas Debate (LD) is a one-on-one debate, established on competing values, supported by criteria. Values typically used in LD emphasize concepts like fairness, justice, quality of life and many others. An entire debate is roughly 45 minutes and consists of constructive speeches, rebuttals, and cross-examination.

Event details

Mock Trial

In an educational mock trial, participants take on the roles of lawyers, witnesses, and other court personnel to learn about the legal system in a competitive setting. The participants are guided by an instructor who provides feedback and evaluates their performance, and there is no actual decision made by a judge or jury. 

Event details

Policy debate

A two-on-two debate that focuses on a policy question for the duration of the academic year, this format tests a student’s research, analytical, and delivery skills. Policy Debate (CX) involves the proposal of a plan by the affirmative team to enact a policy, while the negative team offers reasons to reject that proposal. Throughout the debate, students have the opportunity to cross-examine one another. A judge or panel of judges determines the winner based on the arguments presented.

Event details

public debate

In competitive public debate (IPDA), each round of debate has a different topic presented 30 minutes before the debate begins. Immediately after topic selection, the debaters must write and find evidence for a case to use. Public debate is designed to mirror debates which often occur in our modern society; accordingly, public debates range from intricate policy advocacy (like one may hear in the halls of Congress) to more light hearted metaphorical argument.

Event details

PUBLIC FORUM debate

Public Forum Debate (PF) involves opposing teams of two, debating a topic concerning a current event. Proceeding a coin toss, the winners choose which side to debate (PRO or CON) or which speaker position they prefer (1st or 2nd), and the other team receives the remaining option. Students present cases, engage in rebuttal and refutation, and also participate in a “crossfire” (similar to a cross-examination) with the opportunity to question the opposing team. Often, community members are recruited to judge this event.

Event details