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 Amanda McPhetridge | Apr 25, 2022 | From Advanced to National-Class, Negative, Speaking, Technique
(Pixabay, Skitterphoto) 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.” ...
by Jeremiah Mosbey | Apr 20, 2022 | From Advanced to National-Class, From Intermediate to Advanced, Speaking, Technique
https://pixabay.com/photos/people-woman-dark-sky-clouds-2603773/ 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...
by Jeremiah Mosbey | Mar 18, 2022 | From Intermediate to Advanced, Strategy, Technique, Thinking Strategically
https://pixabay.com/photos/factory-demolition-destruction-4757647/ It’s fairly often that I’ll make an argument and practically be wiped across the floor by my opponent’s response. Does that mean I’m a bad debater? Not at all! As much as we...
by Amanda McPhetridge | Mar 14, 2022 | Coaching a Club, Debate Partnerships, From Advanced to National-Class, Technique
(Foodess.com, Jennifer Pallian) Last weekend I made a beautiful chocolatey cake. Quite honestly it was fantastic, so my roommates and I ate most of it, then left the rest of it out on the counter. After a few days of the last bit sitting out, it got stale on the...
