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by Nathanael Yellis | Apr 12, 2011 | Debate, Soapbox
I judged a debate tournament on Saturday. I enjoy debate because of the creativity bred by its constraints. While talking with other judges, I tried to explain what motivated my decisions. What kind of arguments typically won? What debaters tended to make those... by Nathanael Yellis | Dec 16, 2010 | Coaching, Strategy
“Nathanael, no numbers!” It was my first year in business school, early in the first semester. I was so excited about my newfound Excel and math skills. In every class discussion, I tried to present my numbers and an innovative formula. In every class. In... by Nathanael Yellis | Nov 20, 2009 | Coaching, Debate
As I’ve mentioned, I came to debate later in life (twenty, as opposed to the typical twelve). I found fulfillment in things like surfing and skiing. I didn’t need to win at debate in order to prove my worth. I wanted to win, but I was mature enough to... by Nathanael Yellis | Nov 17, 2009 | Coaching, Debate
I judged PHC Debate Camp’s tourney this year. After two rounds, I was known, apparently, as ‘that judge.’ The judge that requested a team argue in rhyme and told another team to argue alliteratively. Part of this was pure malevolence. More than that,... by Nathanael Yellis | Nov 13, 2009 | Coaching, Debate, Research, Strategy
Productive debaters cultivate broad, working knowledge across a wide range of issues. Part of this is research. Creating a comprehensive evidence bank is the first step. By this I mean knowing the US policy towards the Arizonan Toad, the consequences of that policy,...