Debate Spotlight | Amy Gao
Amy smiling at the camera.
Amy Gao (she/her) is a first-year student, double majoring in Psychology and English. In her debut season with the John R. Park Debate society, Gao has participated in four distinct events: Poetry Interpretation, Communication Analysis, IPDA Debate, and NPDA Debate - a challenging workload that sets her apart from most first-year competitors. She has won 14 awards across four tournaments this semester, including securing the top spot for combined individual sweepstakes by outscoring every competitor in debate and individual events at the Jannese Davidson Invitational at Concordia University-Irvine.
“Amy contributes to the team’s success every tournament, but she does that through more than just trophies,” said Dr. Jeannie Hunt, Director of Forensics. “She is always joyful – smiling, laughing, and creating moments of happiness at every tournament. She works very hard to celebrate everyone’s successes.”
Get to know Amy:
Q: How did you first get involved with the University of Utah's Speech & Debate Team, and what drew you to debate?
A: Being on the pre-law track, I was interested in getting involved with appropriate academic teams.
Q: What has been your proudest moment or biggest accomplishment on the team so far?
A: Winning the Ninja Pixie Individual Sweepstakes Award at the Jannese Davidson Tournament has probably been my biggest accomplishment, especially as a rookie.
Q: Debate requires both individual preparation and teamwork. How do you balance these aspects in your own competition strategy?
A: I spend most of my individual preparation on my speech events, while most of my team practice time is spent on debate and other competition strategies. If I ever need specialized help with certain areas, I can schedule one-on-one conference meetings with coaches, which is extremely helpful.
Q: Competing in events and tournaments can be intense. What has your experience been like, and how does it feel to participate as a team?
A: Sometimes the process of practicing and memorizing materials can feel sluggish and overwhelming, but all that work becomes worth it at the tournaments. My favorite part about the team is experiencing the thrill of competing and watching all our long hours pay off.
“Amy contributes to the team’s success every tournament, but she does that through more than just trophies. She is always joyful – smiling, laughing, and creating moments of happiness at every tournament. She works very hard to celebrate everyone’s successes.” - Jeannie Hunt, Director of Forensics
Q: What is your go-to strategy when preparing for both parliamentary debate and individual events? Do you have any unique rituals or routines?
A: For debate, reviewing the “Redbook” is definitely a great refresher, along with vocal warmups for precise articulation. As for individual events, repetition is key. I will run my speeches over and over until they are perfect.
Q: How has being part of the Speech & Debate Team impacted your academic life and skills, such as critical thinking, public speaking, or teamwork?
A: I definitely think being part of JRP Debate has expanded my perspective and made me more knowledgeable about societal and governmental issues. This has made my critical thinking skills go a lot further. My public speaking skills have immensely improved, as I can formulate arguments on the spot and deliver speeches with poise and clarity.
Q: What is something about debate competitions that might surprise people who aren't familiar with the world of collegiate debate?
A: People don't recognize the speech part of debate, especially events like Poetry, ADS, Dramatic Interpretation, etc. Those events are really interesting and are generally not the first thing that comes to mind when somebody mentions the Debate Team.
“I am honored to be a part of a team that is so well-recognized and has such a strong coaching staff. We are given so many opportunities to achieve excellence, and I strive to be a great contributor to the Society's success as a team.” - Amy Gao
Q: For new or prospective members considering joining the team, what would you say is the biggest benefit or most exciting part of being involved?
A: Obviously, it is great for future resumes. However, you also gain so much knowledge by discussing policy and current events, making that knowledge extremely applicable in outside settings.
Q: How have the coaches influenced your experience on the Speech & Debate Team, and
in what ways have they helped you grow or improve as a competitor?
A: They have definitely pushed me to recognize my limits were further than what I initially believed, and that has made me more successful as a competitor.
Q: What is your favorite way to de-stress after a particularly intense debate competition or preparation time?
A: I love to sleep on the entire van ride back, and then I usually take a hot bubble bath once I'm back home.
Q: What is something unique about you that not many people would know about?
A: I am a performer of Bian Lian, an ancient Chinese art that only 200 people in the world have mastered. I've performed in front of thousands of people for Chinese New Year Festivals, multiple associations, and additional fundraising purposes.
Amy encourages fellow students to give debate a try!