by Anna Johansen | Feb 20, 2017 | Debate Rounds, Technique, Tournaments
It started the moment my alarm began its song and dance routine, vibrating on the table next to the bed. A spike of instantaneous, high-voltage adrenaline and I shot out of bed and across the room in full panic mode, my fight-or-flight instincts going ballistic. It...
by Joel Erickson | Jul 4, 2016 | Coaching, Tournaments
Meditation on Nationals 2016 “What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” –James 4:14 “As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its...
by Wyly Walker | Jun 30, 2016 | Stoa, Tournaments
When I walked into the NITOC for my second time, the experience wasn’t any less or more nerve-wracking than it was the first time. I wasn’t expecting much but maybe taking an outround or two in either form of debate I participated in. Needless to say, I...
by Rebecca Frazer | May 22, 2016 | Soapbox, Tournaments
I always tell my debate students that you should absolutely ask your judge at the beginning of the debate round to tell you a little bit about their background, experience, and/or expectations. But sometimes, a judge’s judging philosophy may leave you more confused...
by Abbey Lovett | May 10, 2016 | Coaching, Strategy, Tournaments
If you’re headed to a national championship or want to take your skills to the national level next year, Isaiah has a few things you can work on. In this vlog, Isaiah tackles the question of what makes a national-class debater. Adopt these 4 traits into your...
by Noah Howard | Apr 25, 2016 | Tournaments
Why do you debate? Do you run drills solely to win? Do you spend nights researching so that you can be the last to cross the stage? I know that it’s annoying to be told that trophies don’t matter, but it’s just as frustrating when debaters choose to ignore this sage...
