I say “be deliberate” with any speech you are giving, but I think it’s especially important to give deliberate thought to the way you construct your digital presentation. Here’s why:
Tag: Membership
Incorporating Humor in Speech and Debate
What is humor?
Humor happens in that luminous moment when two things don’t seem to be related at all, but then they come together in a way so unexpected that we laugh…or at least feel the delight of it. It’s an insight that bubbles out: we feel joy when we see the connection or “get it.” That joy often comes out as laughter – delight escaping after the mental activity of making the connection.
Interp Lessons I Learned From Last Year – Finding a Piece
Every year, we get asked to help teams find an awesome Duo piece, where can they get their hands on the ultimate Open, or the perfect Humorous Interpretation… Every year my answer sounds somewhat similar, however this year I want to share what I have learned from last year. It's especially important to look at the take aways from the previous year. These are my words of advice when you are starting to look for an Interpretive Speech for this new season... What choice of literature will you choose?
Ready, Set, Go! Making and Reaching Your Goals This Season by: Kaitlyn Butts
During the Lasting Impact! Summer Online Intensive, we talked about how to make the most of your year in Speech and Debate. In that session, we broke down the season into stages and talked about what makes each section of the year so unique. We also talked about the importance of making goals and managing those goals well throughout the year. This isn’t something that happens on its own, it requires you to take initiative and then act with consistency and diligence. As we transition into the academic year, it is time to decide how you will incorporate speech and debate preparation, and I’m here with a few suggestions to help you manage your time well and proceed steadily onward...
How do I have Impact in my Speech?
This year, the ballot (at least in the NCFCA) has a specific category designated for the “impact” of the speech. I’ve actually had several parents ask about that section, and many students are also scrambling to figure out the magic formula that makes an impact. So, here are my thoughts on how you can do that in your speech as well as what you can watch for as a judge.
How to Up Your Game in Speech and Debate? Expand your Ethos
It’s crunch time. What to do going into that last tournament, whether it be one more qualifier or your Regional Championship. How to ratchet up your game just enough to get ONE step further?
Credibility Crash Course
Undoubtedly one or two things come to mind when you hear the word, credibility: that guy who makes up sources for his extemp round, or that team that slices up their evidence cards so that they say what they want them to say instead of what the author actually said. If that is the extent of your definition of credibility, you might need to stretch your understanding of the term.
Don’t Forget Your Facial Expression in Speech AND Debate!!
ALL Speech events, even Debate need facial expressions!! I will repeat- facial expressions are important! Whether it's a platform, interpretive, or limited prep speech event OR debate your facial expression will set the mood. Are you happy, concerned, urgent, angry, sad, etc.? Your facial expression is pivotal!
Oratorical Interpretation – It’s an INTERP!
I've thoroughly enjoyed seeing what's been done with Oratorical Interpretation this year. As I've said in previous articles, this is a great entry-level interp, a fabulous opportunity to study great rhetoric, and a very real creative outlet. What are my coaching take-aways after a couple of tournaments?
How to Disguise Yourself – Tips from a Master
Last year, I taught a boys’ literature group that went through the canon of Sherlock Holmes stories. One of our lessons after reading many of the mysteries focused on Sherlock’s ability to assume masterful disguises – such that even his dearest friends failed to recognize him. This skill enabled our sleuth to trail suspects, slip enemy traps, and observe without being observed. As we discussed his various techniques, it struck me that many of these tips also answer the questions I get every year about creating characterizations for interps. So…here’s how Sherlock does it:
Why is the MESSAGE important in your Speech?
Making sure your speech has significance is going to allow your judges the ability to connect with you, which in turn will hopefully cause your rank to improve. Sure, delivery is important, but it is what you are saying that is going to leave a lasting impact...
Young speakers struggle with figuring out what their topic is going to be on, nevertheless making it have the "So What Factor". Guiding them through the importance of having a message is something you should spend time in club doing. Here are my reasons WHY speakers should have a message...
A Guide to Self-Timing by: Eric Meinerding
Now that self-timing has been introduced Speech and Debate there are new etiquette rules and techniques to learn so that this logistical task is carried out smoothly to facilitate good, competitive debates. Self-timing is commonplace in the collegiate policy leagues, poses no major issues, and will definitely benefit the high school leagues as well. Similar to attire, greetings, debate organization and overall presentation, self-timing doesn’t implicitly affect the outcome of a round. It can, however, be another small factor with which to get quickly comfortable in order to avoid any unnecessary technical speedbumps. Here are a couple simple “do’s and don’ts” to consider when it comes to managing your own speech time in debate...
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