MUNCIE, Ind. --- When CNN's "Talk Back Live" learned the Ball State University speech team would be near the network's Atlanta headquarters, the team was not only asked to attend, but to participate.

The 17 student orators are competing in the national speech tournament at Berry College in Rome, Ga., located 65 miles northwest of Atlanta.

Jennifer Talbert, team director of individual events, thought it would be nice to allow the students to do something fun while they were away from Muncie.

Several team members are avid CNN watchers and wanted to take a tour of the cable news network. This past week, a "Talk Back Live" representative phoned and invited them to be on the show.

"I believe this is a wonderful opportunity for some of Ball State's brightest and best students," said Talbert.

"The team members are extremely articulate," she added. "They are aware of what is going on in the world and are not afraid to express their beliefs. These students represent the leadership of tomorrow."

The "Talk Back Live" program presents a different topic for discussion each day. The show airs weekdays at 3 p.m. EDT and relies heavily on participation from the studio audience.

The Ball State delegation is scheduled to be in the audience on April 17.

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact the department of Communication Studies at communicationstudies@gw.bsu.edu or (765)285-1882.)