Unless gifted with a perfect, photographic memory, speakers will need to use a notebook or palm cards to write down the components of the speeches to be delivered. The following considerations could be applied when deciding on whether notebooks or palm cards should be used in a debate..
by Sam Myat San 
Debaters are no doubt aware of the physical aspects of debate (listening and speaking) as well as its mental aspects (thinking of arguments and rebuttals). They often neglect an equally important dimension of debate: the psychological factor. Every speaker should therefore look to put themselves in the best psychological position and the following steps could be of help.
by Sam Myat San 
The best teams in the WSDC are made up of Debaters who understand the roles and responsibilities as well as the complexities associated with each speaker position. With this understanding, the speakers can appreciate how the roles complement each other and put the team in the best position to win.
by Sam Myat San 
Within the World School Debating format, teams may be given months to prepare for a topic or as little as one hour prior to the debate. The latter can prove to be a challenge for debaters and many frequently find that 60 minutes is woefully inadequate when trying to develop a cohesive team stance, a range of arguments addressing the motion, anticipation of the opponent’s arguments, a range of examples to be applied, writing the arguments and practicing their speeches. Debaters may wish to consider the following approach when entering a short preparation round…
by Sam Myat San 
Before the start of each training session, each debater should decide on a particular area to focus on and pay it particular attention. For instance, a debater could choose to pay more attention to controlling hand gestures, giving better points of information or rebutting stronger. This provides a direction and challenge for the training session. This should not, of course, mean that the other aspects of training should be neglected or de-prioritized!
by Sam Myat San World Schools World Schools Debating Championships Rules and Guides http://www.schoolsdebate.com/guides.asp WSDC Rules (Emphasis on Annex 1) http://www.schoolsdebate.com/docs/rules.asp WSDC Notes for Adjudicators http://www.schoolsdebate.com/docs/notes.asp WSDC Definition Guidelines […]
by Sam Myat San 
Website Creator Samuel Myat San is a full-time professional debate and oratory coach. His coaching philosophy is to create skill sets and mindsets in […]
by Sam Myat San 
There is more to a debate speech than the mere delivery of arguments and rebuttals. No doubt these two elements will form the backbone of speech. However, the following elements are crucial in making a speech interesting, memorable and easy to follow for the judges. When the judges have an easy time following a debater’s speech, they will always be more inclined to give more points in return for making their jobs easier.
by Sam Myat San 
What is an argument? We know that arguments form the backbone of a debater’s stand on a particular motion. We also know that the arguments are directed to the judges with the intent of making them agree with a particular stance on the motion. Thus, arguments are communications directed at judges with the intent of influencing them. An argument is best opened with a label, which highlights what the argument is about. Next, the speakers would have to give an explanation, using logical links, as to why their position is correct. Next, they would have to use examples to prove that their explanation and links apply to real life.
by Sam Myat San 
The many debating formats around the world bring with them some very interesting aspects. For instance, Lincoln-Douglas Debate in the USA is contested by individual speakers instead of teams and features a lively cross-examination section. American Policy Debates feature debaters speaking at incredible speeds of up to 600 words per minute. British Parliamentary Debate is unusual in that it has 4 teams contesting a motion instead of just 2. American Parliamentary Debate largely allows for Proposition teams to run whatever case they want, including those where the Opposition teams are allowed to choose which side they would prefer! The common denominator for all of these formats, however, is that the Debaters would need to argue strongly, rebut effectively and speak persuasively in their speeches.
by Sam Myat San