by Toby Rivas | Dec 4, 2018 | Communication/Rhetoric, From Intermediate to Advanced, From Novice to Intermediate, Strategy
If you’ve ever played volleyball, you know the terror of a spike. A player slams the ball over the net so hard you have no hope of returning it. In debate, a spike is a little different, but still a powerful offensive tactic. Referring broadly to preemption, a spike...
by Josh Arnold | Nov 29, 2018 | Communication/Rhetoric, Negative, Speaking, Technique
“I don’t understand. I had superior arguments, evidence, and refutation, but the judge voted for the other team.” I imagine every debater has felt this way at some point. Yet, even when we think we should win “on paper,” the judge is always right. Inevitably, you will...
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 Joshua Anumolu | Mar 17, 2018 | Communication/Rhetoric, Technique
This post is a continuation of our series on how to have influence. Part one examined reciprocity, part two focused on the contrast principle, and part three began a discussion on commitment and consistency. This post finishes up part three with a few more tips on how...
by Joshua Anumolu | Mar 14, 2018 | Communication/Rhetoric, Technique
This post is part of a series on how to have influence. Be sure to read parts one and two for more tips on building your influence. “It’s easier to resist at the beginning than at the end.” – Leonardo da Vinci This post will cover the third...