Debate Skills11 min readApril 29, 2026
How to Refute an Argument: A Debater's Field Guide to Refutation
Master refutation with a four-step framework, real examples, and the specific moves that dismantle weak arguments without sounding hostile.
Blog
Debate tips, strategy guides, and platform insights.
Debate Skills10 min readApril 30, 2026
How to Research for a Debate: The Process Top Debaters Use
A step-by-step research workflow for debate: how to find sources, build a case file, vet evidence, and prep refutations that hold up in round.
Debate Skills9 min readApril 30, 2026
The Toulmin Model of Argument: A Practical Guide for Debaters
A clear guide to the Toulmin model of argument: claim, data, warrant, backing, qualifier, rebuttal — with examples and applications for debate.
Debate Skills9 min readMay 1, 2026
How to Read Like a Debater: Extract Arguments From Any Non-Fiction Book
Learn how to read non-fiction like a competitive debater — extract claims, identify weak warrants, and build argument capacity from every book you read.
Debate Skills10 min readMay 3, 2026
Active Listening Skills: How to Listen Like a Debater
Active listening skills explained by a debate coach: 7 techniques that capture what your opponent actually said, not what you assumed.
Debate Skills9 min readMay 3, 2026
Debate Vocabulary: 60 Essential Terms Every Debater Should Know
Debate vocabulary glossary: 60 essential terms covering formats, argumentation, rebuttal tactics, and judging — explained for actual use in rounds.
Debate Skills10 min readMay 5, 2026
How to Write a Debate Case: Step-by-Step From Resolution to Brief
Learn how to write a debate case step by step: resolution analysis, contentions, warrants, evidence, and pre-empts. With examples and a working template.
Debate Skills9 min readMay 5, 2026
How Are Debates Judged? Inside the Decision-Making of Real Debate Judges
How are debates judged? A clear guide to debate judging criteria, paradigms, ballots, and how decisions get made — with examples for beginners.
Debate Skills12 min readMay 7, 2026
How to Deliver a Speech: Voice, Pacing, and Presence That Hold Any Room
How to deliver a speech with confident voice, clear pacing, and grounded presence. Seven delivery variables, with drills for each.
Debate Skills9 min readMay 9, 2026
Spreading in Debate: How Fast-Talking Works in Policy and How to Train For It
Spreading in debate explained: what it is, how policy debaters reach 350+ wpm, drills that build the skill, and when not to use it.
Debate Skills12 min readMay 10, 2026
World Schools Debate Format: The Complete Guide
Complete guide to World Schools debate: speaker roles, prepared and impromptu motions, points of information, judging criteria, and winning strategy.
Debate Skills11 min readMay 10, 2026
How to Use Evidence in a Debate: From Research to Round
Learn how to use evidence in a debate: source quality, integration into speeches, citation standards, comparing evidence, and surviving cross-examination.
Debate Skills11 min readMay 11, 2026
How to Project Your Voice: A Debater's Guide to Vocal Power Without Strain
Learn how to project your voice using diaphragmatic breathing, resonance, and posture — the same techniques debaters and stage actors use to fill a room.
Debate Skills12 min readMay 11, 2026
Deductive vs Inductive Reasoning: The Two Logic Modes Every Debater Must Master
Deductive vs inductive reasoning for debaters: how each logic mode works, when to use it, common failure modes, and how to attack the opposing approach.
Debate Skills13 min readMay 12, 2026
How to Write a Speech Outline: A Step-by-Step Template
Learn how to write a speech outline with a step-by-step template. Three battle-tested structures for informative, persuasive, and debate speeches.
Debate Skills12 min readMay 12, 2026
Storytelling in Public Speaking: How to Use Stories That Persuade
Master storytelling in public speaking with the four-part structure great speakers use. Includes story banks, sensory detail rules, and delivery drills.
Debate Topics9 min readMay 8, 2026
85 Controversial Debate Topics (And How to Argue Them Without Imploding)
85 controversial debate topics with the strongest arguments on each side, plus a framework for arguing hot-button issues without melting down.
Debate Topics7 min readMay 8, 2026
70 Easy Debate Topics for Beginners (And Why "Easy" Isn't What You Think)
70 easy debate topics for beginners and kids, organized by age and difficulty. Plus how to tell easy from oversimplified — they're not the same.
Debate Topics13 min readMarch 27, 2026
150 Persuasive Speech Topics That Actually Win Arguments
150 persuasive speech topics organized by category and difficulty. Tips for choosing topics that win competitions and ace classroom assignments.
Debate Topics12 min readMarch 28, 2026
75 Argumentative Essay Topics That Make Your Paper Stand Out
75 argumentative essay topics by category with a framework for building a rigorous argument. Covers technology, social issues, education, ethics, and more.