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...
by Harrison Durland | Sep 26, 2018 | Ethics Bowl, Technique
Our designated MC (master of ceremonies) begins the first speech. “It’s unusual to find issues on which so many different groups, ranging from far-right candidate Marine Le Pen to PETA to Belgian Catholics, agree. Yet in this case, they all tend to agree in...
by Thaddeus Tague | Sep 4, 2018 | Coaching, From Novice to Intermediate, Technique, Uncategorized
Treat your opponent with respect. Aside from that, what basic rules (do’s and don’ts) apply? This post applies to TP and LD specific rounds – but also to any debate style or format. Here is a simple starter list of things to be aware of. It is not 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....
by Thaddeus Tague | Aug 20, 2018 | Best Resources, Communication/Rhetoric, From Advanced to National-Class, From Intermediate to Advanced, Technique, Uncategorized
How do you take your speeches to the next level? How do you separate yourself from the rest of the room, and even the other speakers in the debate round? Focus on the key distinguishing factors that make all the difference. Most of the time you can just get good or...
by Thaddeus Tague | Jun 28, 2018 | Best Resources, From Intermediate to Advanced, Negative, Technique, Thinking Strategically, Uncategorized
Whenever I come into conversation with a parent or student who wants resources to “get better” at debate, among many recommendations, I tell them to take a gander at the Ethos blog. If you have the time to scroll and scroll, it goes way back and contains a...
