Note: This post is mostly better suited for novice to intermediate debaters. Hitting a case on negative when you have nothing is probably the scariest thing that can happen in debate. Probably the best way to approach this subject is to give you a series of questions to go through in your head which will […]
Preparing for the 2AR
If you haven’t already read preparing for the 2NR, please read that first. I will be skipping several repeated concepts. The last affirmative speech is the most important speech in the round, arguably. It’s the last thing the judge hears. With this power, of course, comes the responsibility to avoid saying things that are untrue. […]
Preparing for the 2NR
The last negative rebuttal is the most important negative speech of the round. While you can’t bring up new arguments or evidence, you can certainly bring back a losing round and win. Because this speech is so important, let’s talk about how you can best prepare yourself for it. Note: Some of the best preparation […]
Connect with your judge
The style of speaking that I advocate on this website is very conversational and personal. It avoids aloofness, it prioritizes making sure your judge likes you and understands exactly what you’re saying. One of the keys to pulling off this style is actually connecting with your judge. You not only want the judge to […]
6 ways to stop rambling
I noticed that some debaters seem to be saying a lot of words, but not a lot of sentences. And if you were to really concentrate on what they’re saying, you’d see there’s no connection between one sentence and the next one. If you’re unsure what I mean by this, here’s an insanely perfect example. […]
Reaching your speaking goals
I’ve spent a lot of time talking about various speaking tips, and there’s plenty more where that came from. But I think it’s time to take a step back and consider how to apply this information. If I had to guess, I’d say 15% of people who read this website actively try to apply the […]
Using downtime
In pretty much any speaker position, you have some “downtime”. A time when you might as well twiddle your thumbs, because you don’t necessarily have to prepare a speech. It might feel good to twiddle your thumbs, but here are some ideas of better uses of that precious downtime. Potential uses for downtime Instead of […]
Interview with Susan Weinschenk
It is with great pleasure that I post this interview for y’all to hear. Susan Weinschenk, also known as “The Brain Lady”, has a Ph.D. in Psychology and has over 30 years of experience in the field. She is passionate about figuring out how people tick, and how to persuade and encourage people. Her clients […]
Visualize yourself speaking well
Golfer Jack Nicklaus said that he never hit a shot, even during practice, without visualizing it first. He won 18 major championships. For decades, professional athletes have considered visualization an essential tool, often spending hours visualizing their victory. Public speakers can use this same technique to improve their speaking. “So you’re saying that by daydreaming […]