Resources for Debaters
The first section of this page contains resources that are useful for virtually any format of debate from policy debate. They explore the foundations of argumentation, debate, strategy, and presentation that are helpful in everything from Policy Debate to British Parliamentary debate and everything in between (Lincoln Douglas, Middle School Public Debate Program, Public Forum, World Schools Debate, Big Questions, etc.)
The second section contains buttons that will take you to subpages with resources for specific debate formats including Policy, Lincoln Douglas, and World Schools.
General Debate
These resources are applicable to all formats of debate whether you are using debate to explore a content in another subject, teaching a debate unit in the general education classroom, or introducing your competitors (Policy, Lincoln Douglas, Public Forum, Congressional, World Schools, Big Questions, Middle School Public Debate Program, etc.) to the fundamentals of debate.
Glossary
A common set of terms used by members of the Speech & Debate community.
Intro to Argument
This presentation teaches students the basics of argument construction. It explores what constitutes an argument, what one looks like, etc. It is applicable to any debate format. (Applies to classroom debates, Policy Debate, Lincoln Douglas Debate, British Parliamentary Debate, NPDA, public forum, Congressional Debate, and any persuasive speaking event.) For coaches, this lesson can easily be combined with “Intro to Debate.”
Cross Examination & Ethos
This presentation explores two aspects of debate regularly overlooked or undervalued by debaters. It explains the importance of each and offers tips on how to do them well.
Taking Notes
Flowing or Taking Notes in debate rounds. This presentation introduces the benefits of flowing and the best practices for taking notes in debate. Two additional comments:
1) I highly recommend teaching basic debate theory, speaker roles & responsibilities, and basic argumentation types (disadvantages, counterplans, etc.) before teaching students how to flow. I usually wait until after their first tournament, as well, so they have some context for this lesson.
2) I worked with the National Speech & Debate Association to produce a top-notch video lecture on this subject, as well. If you have an NSDA membership, I highly recommend watching that video instead. You can view it here.
Intro to Debate
This presentation teaches the basics of argument construction and explores what constitutes an argument, what one looks like, etc. As a presentation for the St. Louis Urban Debate League, it appears to focus on Policy Debate… in reality, almost the entire presentation can apply to any format of debate. For educators, this presentation can easily be combined with “Intro to Argumentation.”
Your First Tournament
A student’s first tournament can be daunting and overwhelming. This 26-minute presentation highlights some of the important logistical elements of a tournament.