by Noah McKay | Sep 22, 2023 | Uncategorized
Image from Pixabay.com I’ve heard some version of the following tale from many a depressed student: “The round was going swimmingly, when all of a sudden, my opponent challenged the credibility of my most important source! I didn’t know what to do about this, so I...
by Noah McKay | May 23, 2023 | NCFCA Resolutions
freebeacon.com, https://freebeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Frans_Hals_Portrait_of_Rene%CC%81_Descartes.png The 2023-2024 NCFCA debate resolutions have been announced! The new Lincoln Douglas topic is, Resolved: rationalism ought to be valued above empiricism....
by Noah McKay | Apr 25, 2023 | Communication/Rhetoric, Speaking, Technique
Pixabay.com, https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2017/01/31/17/58/bullhorn-2026013_1280.png Several students have come to me recently with variations on the same question: What should I do if judges complain that I speak too quickly or aggressively in debate rounds? (What I...
by Noah McKay | Mar 27, 2023 | Technique
Pixabay.com, https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2020/12/15/16/06/win-5834110_1280.png Regional and national championships are rapidly approaching. If you’re planning to compete, that means you’ll have to step up your game. Here are four ways good debaters can start to...
by Noah McKay | Feb 27, 2023 | Research Tips
Pixabay.com, https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2013/07/13/01/09/books-155185_1280.png Last week, Coach Jayla made a fantastic post about systematizing your debate research. That inspired me to compile my most helpful research tips in the hopes of saving you all dozens of...