by Patrick McDonald | Dec 7, 2022 | Speaking, Technique
I have said elsewhere that one of the cardinal rules of forensics is to “never assume that the judge knows everything you do about a topic.” This is an essential rule because being on the same page with your judge is a prerequisite to persuading or informing them. If...
by Patrick McDonald | May 20, 2022 | From Intermediate to Advanced, Soapbox, Speaking, Technique
Now I’ve done it. If I was “rough around the edges” before, I’m practically Ebeneezer Scrooge now—and that’s before the ghosts paid him a visit. But hear me out on this one. My Problem With The Question™ “How are you doing...
by Joel Erickson | May 9, 2022 | Best Resources, From Novice to Intermediate, Impromptu, Speaking, Speech Events, Strategy
Last year, Ben wrote a superb piece on impromptu with a takeaway you should immediately incorporate into your Nationals prep regimen: strategically accumulate potential speech material related to adversity and personal relationships. I hope to expand this analysis...
by Amanda McPhetridge | Apr 25, 2022 | From Advanced to National-Class, Negative, Speaking, Technique
Have you ever witnessed a round where you can practically feel the mic-drop potential after the last speech? That’s what every single round should be like. You should be able to step away and say with a confident smile, “I rest my case.” The balance of defending...
by Jeremiah Mosbey | Apr 20, 2022 | From Advanced to National-Class, From Intermediate to Advanced, Speaking, Technique
A few weeks ago, I was listening to an old episode of The Tim Ferris Show, in which Ferris was interviewing the actor Hugh Jackman. One of the most interesting concepts that was discussed was the “85% rule for optimal performance,” as Jackman was...
by Luke Castle | Nov 3, 2021 | Apologetics, Speaking, Speech Events
Photo by Joshua Eckstein on Unsplash On the basis that you are competing in a Christian league and choosing to do apologetics, I am willing to assume that you a) currently live in a Christian home b) attend church at least 80% of your Sundays in some...
