We are the professional organization for the many people who train American students in the skills of public speaking and study the use of reasoned discourse in public life.

“Forensics” is a word rooted in the Western world’s classical experience. The Greeks organized contests for speakers that developed and recognized the abilities their society felt central to democracy. These exercises acquired the title “forensics,” derived from the Latin term for ensis and closely related to forum. Because the training in this skill of public advocacy, including the development of evidence, found one of its important venues in the law courts, the term “forensic” has also become associated with the art and science of legal evidence and argument. Our association researches and trains in the earlier and more global skills of argument and public advocacy.

Our organization celebrated its Golden Anniversary in 1999. We continue to provide the services that encourage involvement by citizens in the public dimensions of their lives, and your sons and daughters to develop their skills to participate actively in public dialogue. We continue to seek greater understanding of the history and practice of reasoned discourse as a sound basis for public involvement.

We invite you to work your way through our website to see the many activities that our members pursue in the service of improving the quality of public advocacy in our society.

We are the professional organization for the many men and women who train American students in the skills of public speaking and study the use of reasoned discourse in public life.