The JMU Speech Team actively competes in collegiate speech events sanctioned by the American Forensic Association, including public address, interpretation, and limited preparation events. The team has had great success at the regional and national level and has more recently consistently earned a “Top 20 Team” placement at the AFA’s National Speech Tournament. In 2026, the team earned 14th place in the nation (breaking into the “Top 15 Teams” category!) and secured the national runner-up spot in Impromptu Speaking.
Although housed in the School of Communication Studies, students on the team major and minor in a wide variety of disciplines across JMU and some join having little to no prior competitive speech experience.
The JMU Speech Team is directed by Dr. Mallory Marsh; if you’re interested in learning more about the team, please email her at marshml@jmu.edu!
