by Thaddeus Tague | Nov 26, 2018 | Communication/Rhetoric, Soapbox
This post talks about communication in the real world. As you read, though, think about how these principles apply to debate and speech. As you practice these concepts in competition, you’re actually strengthening your conversations with family, friends, and...
by Catherine Alles | Nov 16, 2018 | Communication/Rhetoric, Soapbox
As a competitive high school debater, one of my pet peeves was when people would say to me, “Oh, I’d be great at debate. I love arguing with people!” It frustrated me that they would reduce debate to mere argumentation, because there is so much more to it....
by Catherine Alles | Nov 2, 2018 | Communication/Rhetoric, Extemporaneous, Speech Events
Extemporaneous is an intimidating speech category, but it is also one of the most rewarding. Competing in Extemp builds your critical thinking skills, makes you a more informed citizen, and is an incredible opportunity to share your opinion on important issues with...
by Anna Johansen | Sep 22, 2018 | Communication/Rhetoric, For Alumni, Soapbox
On Wednesday, I told you that we’re on the hunt for some new Ethos team members. Since then, I’ve gotten resumes, writing samples–and questions. Questions about Ethos, about the blog, about writing. And as I look over them, I keep coming back to one...
by Catherine Alles | Sep 12, 2018 | Communication/Rhetoric, Strategy
This post is from longtime debater and speaker Catherine Alles. Catherine competed in TP with NCFCA for 5 years, and qualified to Nationals all 4 years of high school. Look for more posts from her over the next few months! When a doctor injects a patient with a...
by Thaddeus Tague | Aug 23, 2018 | Best Resources, Communication/Rhetoric, From Intermediate to Advanced, Speaking, Technique
Almost all of us have been there. Sitting, listening to a speaker or a debater, laughing blissfully. At that moment, the speaker has the audience practically in his or her palm. Later, we will try those same tactics we heard, only to be greeted with awkward moments....
