by Anna Johansen | Oct 20, 2017 | Coaching, Coaching a Club
Jamaica, 1989 “Can you tell me what this is?” She pointed to the odd looking lump in the buffet line. The man behind the counter glanced over, and muttered something in indistinct, accented English. “Mayighf pret.” She frowned. “I’m sorry, what was that?” “Naydef...
by Anna Johansen | Sep 29, 2017 | For Alumni
I’m so carefree. As I walk jauntily into the tournament, there is absolutely nothing to fear. I have no speeches to remember; no rounds to stress about. I have no debate boxes to haul around, no judges to impress, and no high heels to worry about. I’m absolutely...
by Anna Johansen | Sep 5, 2017 | Tournaments
Friendship. Drama. Romance. Losing. Horror. Fun. Winning. Enmity. Yeah. A Team Policy partnership can mean a lot of things. If you’ve been debating since you were ten, or just started yesterday, one thing you need to know is this: your partner is your greatest asset....
by Anna Johansen | Jul 7, 2017 | Communication/Rhetoric
This post shouldn’t exist. Or at least, it shouldn’t have to. It’s about something every debater should know. Each round should exemplify it. It should be as natural as breathing. But it’s not. Although the point of debate is to communicate and persuade winsomely,...
by Anna Johansen | May 12, 2017 | Coaching, Soapbox
I watched as you came to Regionals, practically vibrating with anticipation. You had to make every round count because you didn’t know if this chance would be your last: your last chance to speak; your last chance to debate. It was your last chance to qualify for...
