by Joshua Anumolu | Jan 23, 2017 | Coaching, Soapbox, Technique
The ancient Greek philosopher and rhetorician Gorgias was a very talented orator. He was so persuasive that he said he could persuade people into believing him through charlatanry, which led to the term “sophistry.” Socrates labeled sophistry as a manipulative form of...
by Noah Amedick | Jan 20, 2017 | Lincoln-Douglas
Let’s admit it: Value debaters have it rough. You see, policy debates have very tangible consequences. This makes their idea of conflict much more defined and understandable. But for value debaters, conflict can be a very tricky idea. Entire debates can revolve around...
by emilyerose | Jan 16, 2017 | From Advanced to National-Class, Soapbox
“I will never lose the same way twice.” Earlier in my speech and debate career, when I would receive that horrible fifth and below circle on my speech ballots or when I’d lose a round, I would blame it on some judge being ridiculous or my opponent sliming me in a...
by Harrison Durland | Jan 13, 2017 | Uncategorized
“Of course we know we shouldn’t touch those vines, Mr. Smith; every village child is told the story of the evil spirits that are forced to live in them, and how touching them allows the evil spirits to escape into your skin.” “Evil spirits? No, you’re confused:...
by Noah Farley | Jan 11, 2017 | Strategy
Two years ago, Stoa Value debaters dedicated themselves to debating the letter of the law vs. the spirit of the law. As you might expect, definitions were central to the understanding of the resolution. As with any generally ambiguous topic, certain debaters took...
