Our Interview With Brent Brossmann, Ph.D., The Chair of Tim Russert Department of Communication and The Director of Climate, Environment, & Sustainability Minor at John Carroll University

By Juris Education Interview Team

Brent Brossmann, Ph.D., is the Chair of Tim Russert Department of Communication and the Director of Climate, Environment, & Sustainability Minor at John Carroll University.

1. What are some of the biggest takeaways or real-world benefits that students gain from participating in your debate union?

We’ve always told people to look at where our debate alumni end up - that’s the best proof of what this experience can do. We start by asking students what they want to accomplish, and then we help them get there. Along the way, they develop incredible skills in research, argumentation, perspective-taking, speaking, and critical thinking - the kinds of skills that really matter once they leave college.

A lot of our alumni have gone on to become successful attorneys, but that’s just the beginning. Jeff Becherer ’97 is now Associate Dean and Vice President for Institutional Advancement at New York Law School. Manny Teitelbaum ’98 is a two-time Fulbright Scholar at the Elliott School of International Affairs. Ben Sovacool ’01 is a leading researcher on climate change. Meg Frankenberger ’20 works in defense and security briefings at the Pentagon. Aiden Keenan ’22 interned for the President of the United States at both the GAO and the OMB. Laken Kincaid ’24 is a researcher for Meet the Press, and Tate Farinacci ’25 is the current Meet the Press Fellow.

Our debaters go on to become lawyers, professors, doctors, journalists, and engineers - people who think critically, communicate clearly, and advocate effectively. If the job requires you to think and persuade, our alumni are thriving in it.

2. How does debating help students become more confident speakers?

Confidence comes from preparation - and debaters are some of the most prepared speakers you’ll ever meet. They spend hours learning their topics, understanding both sides of every issue, and figuring out how to explain complex ideas clearly. When you know your material that well, it’s a lot easier to speak with confidence.

Debate also teaches you to think on your feet. You don’t always know what your opponent will say, so you learn to respond quickly and calmly. After every round, you get feedback from judges, coaches, and teammates, so you’re constantly improving.

And of course, confidence comes with experience. In debate, you win some and you lose some. The wins build confidence, and the losses build insight - and that insight eventually leads to more wins. Either way, you grow.

3. Do you think aspiring law school applicants can benefit from joining a debate union? How so?

Absolutely - I think debate is one of the best things a future law student can do. Law schools know it, too. Debate teaches you how to build a case, use evidence effectively, and respond to challenges in real time. It’s all about mastering arguments, thinking critically, and communicating under pressure - exactly what lawyers do every day.

You also learn to listen closely and analyze what others are saying, not just wait for your turn to talk. That kind of analytical listening is a huge part of being an effective attorney. Debate also teaches professionalism and ethical advocacy - how to argue with passion and integrity.

And then there’s teamwork. Debate is never a solo activity. You plan, prepare, and execute as a team - the same way law firms and legal teams operate. Ask any attorney if debate skills help in their field, and they’ll say yes without hesitation.

4. What advice would you give to aspiring law students who are considering joining a debate union in college but aren’t sure if it’s the right fit for them?

I’d say: give it a shot. It might look intimidating at first, but every great debater started out not knowing anything about it. The key is to actually do it - don’t just watch a debate, but prepare for one and take part in a few rounds. Once you do, you’ll see what makes it special.

Debate changes the way you think. It makes you sharper, more confident, and more open-minded. You learn to argue ideas, not people - and that’s a life skill. Even if you never step foot in a courtroom, the habits you build in debate will help you succeed anywhere. It’s an experience that really can change your life.

Juris Education is proud to interview experts like Brent Brossmann, Ph.D. to help future lawyers understand the benefits of extracurricular involvement in college. For tailored guidance throughout your application process, law school admissions consulting can offer the strategic insights you need. Learn more about how our experts can help you get into law school today.