by Thaddeus Tague | Jan 29, 2019 | Announcements, Best Resources, Bonus Evidence, Example Rounds, Briefs, and Case Studies, Research
We have exciting news, everyone… Ethos is publishing mid-season sourcebooks for both NCFCA and Stoa TP! They will be almost exclusively negative briefs on the cases being run in the leagues. There will be around 10 or more negs per sourcebook that you can immediately... 
by Thaddeus Tague | Jan 7, 2019 | Best Resources, Coaching, Question and Answer
Have you ever wished you could improve as a debater, but aren’t sure how? Have you thought about getting outside help or coaching, but you have some reservations? This post addresses some of the common objections that bar students from taking the next step in growing... 
by Thaddeus Tague | Dec 26, 2018 | Apologetics, Communication/Rhetoric, Extemporaneous, Soapbox, Speaking, Speech Events
Speakers who surprise, educate, and impress their audiences (by definition) keep their audience’s attention. If you’ve ever listened to a cool story or listened to a speech about a favorite subject, it is harder than normal to distract you. Bad speeches tend to cause... 
by Thaddeus Tague | Dec 7, 2018 | Speaking, Technique
Have you ever listened to a presentation or speech, where the speaker is clearly not confident in themselves? It’s very awkward. Listeners and audience members can sense confidence almost better than sharks can smell blood. Confidence, or a lack thereof, bleeds out... 
by Thaddeus Tague | Sep 29, 2018 | Advocacy, Fiat, Negative, Strategy, Technique
This is, hands down, the topic that I cover most as a coach. Every debater, new or experienced, has been in this situation. Listening to the first affirmative speaker (or PRO or GOV or PROP), and recognizing that not only do you NOT have any prepped material on what...