We write a lot of them as parents (or alumni). Competitors get an envelope of them after every speech and debate tournament. And sometimes we have more to say about the ballots than we take away from the ballots! What are these ballots, and how can both judges and competitors use the ballots to best effect during the competition season?
Thor is known for his hammer. He wields it well and it obeys his every whim. He owns it. It is intrinsic almost to his persona and identity. Comedic timing, and the successful application of it, similarly marks the skilled humorist. But just like nobody is able to tell Thor exactly how to use his hammer, no one is able to tell a would-be humorist exactly what to do with timing either. I can describe the shape of it, yes, but what you do with it....well, that is what will make you funny - or not!
I know. It’s hard sometimes. You just want to sit and chill with your friends, or you think it will make you nervous, maybe you have three speeches this category and just don’t have the time. I get it. I have faced the same struggles when it’s suggested that I go watch speeches while at a tournament. Watching speeches on Youtube in my free time is a whole other thing compared to being at the tournament and trying to find the time (and courage) to go sit through an entire 10 minute speech. I understand. However, did you know some leagues REQUIRE you to watch the room you compete in? Not a bad idea… Here are some reasons why…
Continue reading “Watching Speeches: A Challenge to You by: Gloria Heiss”
Can you believe it’s already time to start thinking of summer camps and workshops?! We are also putting together some fantastic classes this fall…
Many clubs meet all year round. This blog article was submitted by a club leader. This insightful devotion was from one of her student’s. Speech and Debate has so many life building skills! How should we handle criticism or critiques? Here is a competitor’s approach to ballots…
Continue reading “Guest Blog- Post Tournament Devotion- Ballots”
The Ancient Greek philosophers spent their time observing the world around them and thinking about how and why things worked in our world. When they came to some insight, they wrote down their thoughts. Most of you have probably begun to study some of those thoughts. And, it might be worth knowing that those ancient philosophers had thoughts about what makes good communication work, too.
We caught up with a pretty fantastic Speech and Debater... Michelle Reid saw much success in the world of Speech and Debate, and like most students who compete, go on to do great things! Competing in Speech and Debate was only the first step to what the Lord has in store for her! Here is part of her journey as well as advice...
If there is one thing you can be totally confident of hearing at the end of every speech or debate round, it is that question, “how was your round?” A proverbial fly on the wall of the hangout room would assume that contriving unique conversation starters is not something speakers and debaters excel in. It would probably be right. But a more serious trend that should probably leave us all a bit uneasy is debaters responding to that question with some sort of accusation of unethical behavior from their opponent…
Continue reading “How Can We Win the Battle for Ethical Debate?”
Have you been wanting to know more about Cold Reading? Stoa added Cold Reading to their Wildcard list in 2016-2017. According to their website, “Competitors read from a short selection given in the competition room. The Competitors will have two minutes to prepare approximately 3-4 minutes of material. Material could include well-known literature, speeches, poetry, or other genre selected by the tournament for each round.
A good dramatic cold reader is able to communicate with fluency and clarity and to project speech rhythms well. He should also be able to bring out the intent, mood and characterization of a piece through appropriate articulation and body language.”
We caught up with a friend that is a huge fan of the event, even placing at NITOC. Here is her story and tips…
You owned it!
I know that will not always be the first thought coming to mind when you are done with a speech. But even if it is not, you should feel good stepping out of that room. Walk out with as much confidence you had walking in.
Continue reading “Stand Tall (When Exiting a Competition Room)”
“Expressiveness” is one of those words on the ballot….and one that can mean quite a lot of different things. Teasing out some of those many meanings can go a long way toward helping you be more of all those different things in any kind of speech.
Continue reading “Practical Tips for Becoming a More Expressive Speaker”
Sometimes it is hard to read ballots, especially at 11 pm after a long awards ceremony. Ballots can be confusing or just hard to stomach. But ballots are still an invaluable resource to have from your judges. Be sure to open your envelope with an open mind, ready to hear what your judges have to say.
In this post we will be discussing some strategies of how to go over your ballots instead of tossing them or letting them collect dust. According to one of our Lasting Impact! interns... "I go through my speech ballots with my three step system, especially when I plan on enhancing it throughout the season with the goal of succeeding to Regionals, and perhaps on to Nationals."
You must be logged in to post a comment.