by Joel Erickson | May 9, 2022 | Best Resources, From Novice to Intermediate, Impromptu, Speaking, Speech Events, Strategy
Image Credit: merlinlightpainting / Pixabay Last year, Ben wrote a superb piece on impromptu with a takeaway you should immediately incorporate into your Nationals prep regimen: strategically accumulate potential speech material related to adversity and personal...
by Joel Erickson | Apr 12, 2022 | Soapbox
Image Credit: GDJ / Pixabay You’ve all imbibed the “burden of communication rests on the communicator” and “the judge is always right” narratives from your coaches and parents. Contrary to the (intentionally provocative) title, these sentiments aren’t inaccurate per...
by Joel Erickson | Feb 28, 2022 | Concept Analysis
Image Credit: PIRO4D / Pixabay In October 2021, we published an article interrogating trichotomy, debate lingo for the classic tripartite categorization of resolutions as fact, value, or policy. Before you continue reading, make sure you revisit the original...
by Joel Erickson | Jan 24, 2022 | Technique, Top Drills, Uncategorized
Image Credits: congerdesign / Pixabay Quality flowing—debate vernacular for “notetaking”—is instrumental to competitive success, yet many intermediate and advanced debaters don’t enhance their flowing capabilities beyond the techniques they absorbed as novices....
by Joel Erickson | Dec 15, 2021 | Bonus Evidence, Lincoln-Douglas, Strategy
Image Credit: qimono / Pixabay The thalidomide tragedy, refracted through the classic NCFCA LD negative case, unfolds as follows: “Thalidomide, a sedative sold by a German drugmaker, was said to relieve everything from anxiety to morning sickness, but it led to...
