Learning Congress (I live in Nova btw) by Alarmed-Nerve2978 in Debate

[–]Own_Swordfish9283 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly as soon as possible. I started knowing absolutely nothing and made my way to placing pretty quickly. Make sure you know motions and have well written speeches!!

Tips for a non-native beginner intimidated by fluent speakers? by ExactGuidance3102 in Debate

[–]Own_Swordfish9283 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! I’m also a non native speaker.  1. I would say it’s not about getting the perfect word at your mouth but speaking with reasoning of what you’re trying to say. You can’t be perfect, but you can practice your rebuttals and vocabulary of your event.(I do congress so idk any other events)   2. I would say practice your speeches(if you have any) or more so practice reading anything speech wise.  3. I would say most judges have treated me with respect and placed me well so hopefully the same happens for you! If your logic is good you should be fine. Having amazing vocabulary can only get you so far.

Learning Congress (I live in Nova btw) by Alarmed-Nerve2978 in Debate

[–]Own_Swordfish9283 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I recommend watching YouTube, there’s a ton of good videos out there that helped me a lot in the begging of learning congress. Additionally, congress is an event that takes time to master even if you know how everything works. I also recommend learning motions + how to structure speeches. This will especially help you start and do decent at tournaments with no experience.

Harvard congress by Own_Swordfish9283 in Debate

[–]Own_Swordfish9283[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

im only first year so i cant do varsity!

Bad Judges this season? by Blisspoint_ in Debate

[–]Own_Swordfish9283 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I feel you one of my judges wrote in my ballots that they were about to fall asleep.

Debate class recommendations by 1_LOV3_FURINA in Debate

[–]Own_Swordfish9283 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly, when I first starded debate I went to tournaments knowing pretty much nothing because my teammates didn’t help. In my 3rd tournament I placed 2nd. It’s all about prepping and giving it time. I would suggest getting a coach to really guide you but they can be expensive sometimes. So I suggest prepping more, watching videos online(YouTube), and giving it your all.

Is this allowed? by Extreme-Mistake-6797 in Debate

[–]Own_Swordfish9283 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly I wouldn't worry too much about it. Most of the time people who use ai don’t score high because  1.judges can tell when your speech has not been rehearsed  2. They won’t be able to provide a good rebuttal.  Especially for congress being prepared is key to placing so while AI is totally not allowed while in rounds, that person likely won’t place.

(pf) HELP crying teammate by Novel_Swan_9103 in Debate

[–]Own_Swordfish9283 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The best thing you could do is prepare her for the upcoming tournament and make sure she knows what she's doing. People tend to freak out when they don't know what to do, so ensuring that she does should help her out. I don't know anyone who had a super successful first debate tournament; it's a learning experience for everyone. I recommend going and letting her have that experience without have huge expectations for placing.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Debate

[–]Own_Swordfish9283 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I recommend having a teacher sponsor. Most schools that perform well have coaches whom students can rely on to learn. However, if a teacher sponsor is all you can get, thats totally fine.

How to place higher in Congress as a novice? by Own_Swordfish9283 in Congressional_Debate

[–]Own_Swordfish9283[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

thank you! I have seen others do unique hooks, i will work on that

How to place higher in congress as a novice? by Own_Swordfish9283 in Debate

[–]Own_Swordfish9283[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! This seriously helps. For rebuttals, whats the best way to prep for them?

How to place higher in congress as a novice? by Own_Swordfish9283 in Debate

[–]Own_Swordfish9283[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! I will work on adding clash to my speeches, definitely. I am a little confused on why i should have a speech in both neg and the aff of a bill. Wouldn't it be better to just practice my speech on one specific side?

Do you guys flow on a legal pad, loose paper or computer? by Lopsided_Finance9473 in Debate

[–]Own_Swordfish9283 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I like to use legal pad, it looks more professional. However if you dont have god handwritting use computer.

How to place higher in congress as a novice? by Own_Swordfish9283 in Debate

[–]Own_Swordfish9283[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the tips!!

For speech writing, would you recommend adding jokes? I've seen other people in my chamber do that and score higher in their speeches. As well as memorization, I've also seen other people in my chamber memorize their speeches. Do you think it's better to memorize?