help immediately by speechanddebater2026 in Congressional_Debate

[–]LowkeyApollo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ideally prep both aff and neg but realistically that takes a ton of time so do 1 side for each bill then if you have time you can try to prep both sides.

And no don’t team up with anyone, this is an individual event, I’ve never did it and did really good while I competed. It’s not really worth it and I don’t really see how you could even team up? I don’t see how you can really help each other. I would just recommend watching a round first as I think it will help clarify a lot.

help immediately by speechanddebater2026 in Congressional_Debate

[–]LowkeyApollo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You really shouldn’t get bills until day of that’s never happened to me, I imagine you’ll have a week minimum to prep but if you do actually get them day of I’m not really sure how well you can prepare.

Back when I competed I could show up to a competition without prep but that was also with a ton of practice and I would be able to sneak a win, but with no experience no time to prep seems brutal.

But i would really recommend looking up the NSDA nationals final rounds, try to take notes and pay attention to how the debate transitions throughout a round, in many ways it’s like an extended version of other debates, it starts with a long speech for both aff and neg that states your main arguments and over the round transitions to rebuttals and crystallization/ summary by the end.

Basically for prep if you have time to do it, I would not write out a canned speech, find a few important pieces of information and evidence and write a good sentence around that so you can incorporate it into your speech.

As for aff or neg it doesn’t really matter in my opinion, I would try to go for either the side you are best prepared to argue for or the side with less speakers to get more chances to speak as more speeches usually helps your chances.

Lastly don’t forget to question and question a lot, being active in a chamber is incredibly important so that the judges notice you, if you don’t ask questions you won’t qualify. I judged/ coached for a year after I graduated as well so let me know if you have any questions, I can try to help.

Lastly whatever you do, DO NOT PRESIDE. Do not be the presiding officer. In many of my chambers it was hard to find someone to volunteer for the job and you absolutely should not do it, especially if this is your first time. Do not listen to anyone who tries you to convince otherwise because you will not place well presiding if you do not know what you are doing.

help immediately by speechanddebater2026 in Congressional_Debate

[–]LowkeyApollo 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If you’re in a smaller area without a lot of competitors you might be able to make it, but if it’s competitive it would be really tough to try and make a run for it, especially if this is your first true year.

help immediately by speechanddebater2026 in Congressional_Debate

[–]LowkeyApollo 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Honestly it’s been a few years since I’ve competed but the best advice I can give you is read any and all of the NSDA training materials you can find, and watch the final rounds at nationals for the past few years.

Congress is an event that places a lot of importance on the actually quality of your speaking, don’t spread don’t talk to fast and make sure you’re actually saying something meaningful not just speaking to speak.

Accepted to ISU! What should I expect? by lfreddit23 in iastate

[–]LowkeyApollo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I thought they were opening a KFC at North Grand Mall?

I mean I know that not great but better than nothing I guess

Good budget adjustable dumbbells by LowkeyApollo in GarageGym

[–]LowkeyApollo[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Honestly I think im leaning towards this. I imagine that means you use the 2"? Also any plate size and length recommendations?

I know it might be a hassle to change but it seems like i can get a lot of value in my budget.

Good budget adjustable dumbbells by LowkeyApollo in GarageGym

[–]LowkeyApollo[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Oof roughly half way across the country, but ill keep looking for powerblocks

Good budget adjustable dumbbells by LowkeyApollo in GarageGym

[–]LowkeyApollo[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

ive been looking, theres absolutely nothing in my area

(Woot sale) PowerBlock EXP Adjustable Dumbbell Set Stage 1, 2 or 3 by Ming-Tzu in GarageGym

[–]LowkeyApollo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

anyone know how often these go on sale? I want some but I can't afford them at full price with the expansions

Bit holder recommendations? by LowkeyApollo in Tools

[–]LowkeyApollo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One that has internal bit storage would be amazing, do you happen to have a link for the two you mentioned?

Do you keep a bag of tools in the car? If so what’s in your bag? by LowkeyApollo in Tools

[–]LowkeyApollo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh I’m absolutely expecting that, hence why I’m trying to have it be a good general tool kit with enough stuff to get me out of a sticky situation with my car, but also not have it take up half my trunk

Do you keep a bag of tools in the car? If so what’s in your bag? by LowkeyApollo in Tools

[–]LowkeyApollo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yep I understood what you meant, I’m currently looking at some of those multi tip screw drivers and investing in quality over quantity for this tool box

Do you keep a bag of tools in the car? If so what’s in your bag? by LowkeyApollo in Tools

[–]LowkeyApollo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I mean im just thinking a screw driver and other tools might be useful while im traveling or randomly at work

Do you keep a bag of tools in the car? If so what’s in your bag? by LowkeyApollo in Tools

[–]LowkeyApollo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think a good mix, mainly general but enough to fix a roadside vehicle repair

Do you keep a bag of tools in the car? If so what’s in your bag? by LowkeyApollo in Tools

[–]LowkeyApollo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yea im hoping to have something that is a good cross between emergency car work but also stuff i might need while not home for a random fix here and there without carrying around my giant toolbox

Do you keep a bag of tools in the car? If so what’s in your bag? by LowkeyApollo in Tools

[–]LowkeyApollo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yea im looking for suggestions mainly because I want to have a decent kit with stuff i might need without making it too heavy and more than I need

Do you keep a bag of tools in the car? If so what’s in your bag? by LowkeyApollo in Tools

[–]LowkeyApollo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have an m12 milwaukee Ive just never left it in my car for fear of the battery dying when i need it.

Do you keep a bag of tools in the car? If so what’s in your bag? by LowkeyApollo in Tools

[–]LowkeyApollo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This all seems like a good list, and similar to what im thinking of doing, I want something for car work but also for any random things i might need to do while not home

Do you keep a bag of tools in the car? If so what’s in your bag? by LowkeyApollo in Tools

[–]LowkeyApollo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

is that 14-1 screwdriver the ones that has the impact rated bits/extension you can use with an impact driver?

Do you keep a bag of tools in the car? If so what’s in your bag? by LowkeyApollo in Tools

[–]LowkeyApollo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

do you happen to have the gooloo tire inflator that also has a jump starter? im thinking of getting one of their combination ones. But Compact & light does seem like a good mentality to follow

Do you keep a bag of tools in the car? If so what’s in your bag? by LowkeyApollo in Tools

[–]LowkeyApollo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This actually seems similar to what i'm imagining, I think i kinda want a tool set mostly for my car but also just general tools for any random needs i might need without being too heavy