by Joel Erickson | May 9, 2022 | Best Resources, From Novice to Intermediate, Impromptu, Speaking, Speech Events, Strategy
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 relationships. I hope to expand this analysis...
by Joel Erickson | Apr 12, 2022 | Soapbox
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 se. Homeschool debate is a...
by Joel Erickson | Feb 28, 2022 | Concept Analysis
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 piece—this analysis depends on...
by Joel Erickson | Jan 24, 2022 | Technique, Top Drills, Uncategorized
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. There’s a prevailing mindset that flowing is...
by Joel Erickson | Dec 15, 2021 | Bonus Evidence, Lincoln-Douglas, Strategy
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 perhaps the greatest pharmaceutical...
