Pi Kappa Delta () is a Forensics (

Public Speaking Public speaking, also called oratory or oration, has traditionally meant the act of speaking face to face to a live audience. Today it includes any form of speaking (formally and informally) to an audience, including pre-recorded speech delive ...

and

Debate Debate is a process that involves formal discourse on a particular topic, often including a moderator and audience. In a debate, arguments are put forward for often opposing viewpoints. Debates have historically occurred in public meetings, a ...

)

Honor Society In the United States, an honor society is a rank organization that recognizes excellence among peers. Numerous societies recognize various fields and circumstances. The Order of the Arrow, for example, is the National Honor Society of the Boy S ...

for undergraduate university students and a professional organization for graduates, typically university Speech and Debate Coaches. Pi Kappa Delta, or PKD, encourages the education of articulate citizens through a three part focus: the commitment to and promotion of

ethical Ethics or moral philosophy is a branch of philosophy that "involves systematizing, defending, and recommending concepts of right and wrong behavior".''Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy'' The field of ethics, along with aesthetics, concerns ma ...

, humane and inclusive

communication Communication (from la, communicare, meaning "to share" or "to be in relation with") is usually defined as the transmission of information. The term may also refer to the message communicated through such transmissions or the field of inqui ...

and educational practices; the commitment to and promotion of professional development of forensics educators; and the commitment to and promotion of comprehensive forensics programming. More than 60,000 men and women have been initiated into PKD. Active chapters are located on more than 200 college and university campuses. Schools in PKD range in size from some of the largest universities to some of the smaller liberal arts colleges, teaching colleges, and church related colleges.

Programs and Initiatives

National Convention

PKD sponsors a National Convention every other year at which time the business of the organization is conducted along with an annual national tournament in individual events and debate. Competition is open to all undergraduate students who are members of PKD. Competitors who place highly enough in competition at this tournament earn points toward qualifying for the

American Forensic Association The American Forensic Association is an American organisation which promotes and supports competitive debating and public speaking in high schools and colleges in the United States. Members * Cross Examination Debate Association *National Parlia ...

National Individual Events Tournament and competing for a national championship. This tournament can justifiably be considered a "team" tournament because both individual events and debate points add up to create the final sweepstakes total for a school. Quite often, PKD sponsors experimental events at the National Tournament.

Journal

PKD publishes a refereed journal entitled ''The Forensic of Pi Kappa Delta''. This journal is the oldest national forensic journal and has been a leader in pedagogical forensic research throughout its history. A cross-section of articles would include topics ranging from debate to individual events to philosophical issues related to

competition Competition is a rivalry where two or more parties strive for a common goal which cannot be shared: where one's gain is the other's loss (an example of which is a zero-sum game). Competition can arise between entities such as organisms, ind ...

and forensic education. The Forensic accepts submissions from all members of the forensic community.

National Communication Association Convention

PKD sponsors and co-sponsors programs at the annual National Communication Association convention. In addition, a variety of awards are presented on an annual basis. These include the Pi Kappa Delta Hall of Fame, the L.E. Norton Award for Outstanding Scholarship, the John Shields Award for Outstanding Contributions to Pi Kappa Delta, the E.R. Nichols Award for Outstanding Contributions to Furtherance of the Forensic Discipline, the R. David Ray Award for Outstanding New PKD Chapter, the Carolyn Keefe Award for Outstanding Alumni, and the Bob Derryberry Award for Outstanding New Forensic Educator.

Symbols and traditions

The colors of the Fraternity are Cardinal red and White. However, when used for academic cords or stoles, Cardinal red and Slate grey are substituted. The flower of the Fraternity is the Yellow Daffodil.

External links

ΠΚΔ National website
{{authority control Honor societies Student organizations established in 1913 1913 establishments in Kansas Public speaking competitions Public speaking organizations