by Zachary Kos | Jan 14, 2022 | Best Resources, Communication/Rhetoric, From Intermediate to Advanced, From Novice to Intermediate, Speech Events, Thinking Strategically, Uncategorized
We hear coaches (and judges) discuss the need to “stand out from the competition.” Point well taken. Just one question: What does this mean for writing, blocking, and performing our platforms? If you have ever asked or thought of a similar question, you are not alone....
by Amanda McPhetridge | Nov 23, 2021 | Communication/Rhetoric, From Intermediate to Advanced
During my years in the league, I’ve heard a LOT of complaining, and been a part of more than I’d care to admit. It’s easy to see a problem when the tournament runs behind, when there are kids all over the hallways, or when your judge simply refuses to see things from...
by Nathanael Morgan | Sep 24, 2021 | Best Resources, Communication/Rhetoric, Technique, Uncategorized
The judge literally didn’t write anything about our disadvantages on the ballot! I don’t understand, they were our most important arguments. The Aff completely dropped them and they were impacted out and everything! Ugh. Sometimes it can be hard to get the...
by Patrick McDonald | Mar 13, 2021 | Communication/Rhetoric, Debate Blog, Speaking
Earlier this season, I received a ballot from a judge who was thoroughly and absolutely confused. At the base of her puzzlement was the solitary word: inherency. My partner and I had argued that the affirmative plan had essentially already been passed, and thus...
by Anthony Severin | Nov 13, 2020 | Communication/Rhetoric, Cross Examination, From Intermediate to Advanced, Strategy, Technique
Let’s suppose I’m a prosecutor trying to convince a jury to convict the defendant in a murder case. Let’s call the defendant “Albert” and the victim “Buddy.” Albert is on the stand and I’m cross-examining him. You might...
by Harrison Durland | Jan 18, 2020 | Communication/Rhetoric, Speaking, Technique
Recently, Thaddeus Tague dug up an old document that Ethos has used for coaching: a figures of speech handout. “Figure of speech” broadly refers to deliberate patterns or abnormalities in language with a goal of producing some effect in the audience; it includes...
