CONGRESSIONAL DEBATE
Overview
This class will cover the NSDA event of Congressional Debate. It will teach techniques and methods to write the best possible speeches and maximize engagement, as well as teach the technical aspects of congressional debate such as refutation and round technique. Classes 2,4,6 will all be hour long sessions where speeches must be given, at least 2 per session. These speeches will be graded and used to assess growth from class 1-9.
Class Information:
Classes : 9
Class duration : 1-1.5 hours,
Class timings : TBD
Class format : Zoom meetings
Teacher: TBD
Class requirements : Access to google docs or a word processor software for speechwriting, and a willingness to try to speak “publically” and in front of judges.
CURRICULUM
This class will explain the basics of congressional debate, and explain how to access tournament opportunities. It will also explain tournament format.
This class will explain the fundamentals of speechwriting. It will go over common formats, such as CWDAI, and will explain how to research properly to write speeches. It will also explain the usage of humor and dramatism while writing speeches.
During this class students will learn some of the more technical aspects of congress, including round-analysis, and refutation techniques. These techniques are essential to help students reach higher levels in their speech and debate career.
This class will be oriented around giving speeches, and the best ways to attract and maintain attention will be taught. This is so everyone is focused on your speech as you are giving it.
By this point, students will know how congress works, how to write speeches, and how to use refutation and voice modulation for maximum impact. This class will thus be focused on simulating an actual congressional debate session, with external judges and feedback to gauge progress.
