Our Interview With Michael R. Isaac III, President of Speech and Debate and Director of the UCA Debate And Forensics Team

By the Juris Education Interview Team 

Michael R. Isaac III is the President of Speech and Debate and Director of the University of Central Arkansas Debate And Forensics team.

1. What types of debates or formats does your union participate in?

I primarily compete in IPDA (International Public Debate Association). I’ve also participated in the Inaugural Mock Trial hosted by the Arkansas Public Defender Commission.

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

One of the biggest takeaways I’ve gained from debate at UCA is learning how to communicate complex issues in a way that’s digestible. My main goal when debating is to present important information in a way that even a child could understand. To paraphrase Einstein, “You don’t truly understand something until you can explain it to a five-year-old.” Debate has taught me to think about the “why” before the “how.” Once you understand the reason behind a problem, the solution becomes much clearer.
Another key benefit is community—students learn how to collaborate with people from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. That experience is invaluable.

3. What’s the most challenging and the most rewarding aspect of joining a debate union?

The most challenging—and also the most rewarding—aspect for me was growing into a leadership role. I served as the president of our debate union for two years, and one of the most fulfilling parts was being able to shape team morale.
That said, leadership isn’t limited to titles. Anyone on the team can uplift others. The most important thing is to show up as your full self. And when you can’t—when you’re tired or overwhelmed—that’s okay. The beauty of a team is that someone will be there to lift you up. And when it’s their turn to feel low, you’ll be there for them. We succeed best when we build together.

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

Debate builds confidence through consistent feedback. After every round, judges provide a Reason for Decision (RFD), and debaters use that to improve. At the end of a tournament, we review ballots and incorporate the feedback into practice sessions.
The more you debate, the better you get at structuring arguments, identifying patterns, and delivering your points persuasively. That repetition naturally builds confidence—not just in speech, but in critical thinking and quick decision-making.

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

I don’t just think aspiring law students can benefit from debate—I know they can. I recently went through the law school application process, and my debate background helped me tremendously.

Being able to tell a story clearly and concisely was key when writing my personal statement. If a school requires interviews, debate equips students to think quickly and draw on their experiences in a meaningful way. These are skills that go far beyond law school—they’re lifelong.

6. Do you know of any former members of your debate union who have successfully gone on to law school? If so, how did their debate experience contribute to their success?

Yes—CJ Parrish is a great example. He’s currently attending the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, where he also debates professionally and serves as the coach for their debate team. He has 11 years of experience, and his foundation in debate has clearly contributed to his success in law school and beyond.

7. 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?

Try it. The worst thing we can do is doubt ourselves before we even start. I always tell students to attend a practice session, then go to two tournaments—one as a judge and one as a competitor.
After that, you’ll know if it’s for you. But you’ll never know unless you give it a chance.

Juris Education is proud to interview experts like Michael R. Isaac III to help future lawyers understand the benefits of extracurricular involvement. Learn more about how our experts can help you get into law school today.