by Erik Altman | Apr 24, 2026 | Perspectives
Bringing the Power of Debate to Math Class Published in Cult of Pedagogy. “Why aren’t students talking?” was my constant gripe my first years of teaching. I was young, energetic, and passionate about math, but my students didn’t seem to be engaged in talking...
by Erik Altman | Apr 24, 2026 | In the Media
Historic 2026 National Speech & Debate Tournament to be held in Richmond, Virginia Published in the State Journal. The National Speech & Debate Tournament will bring more than 7,000 student competitors from across the country (and the globe) to Richmond,...
by Erik Altman | Apr 22, 2026 | Resources
What to Expect Coaching Declamation Declamation is a 10-minute public address event where a student chooses and performs a speech that was previously given in real life (no fictional characters) and delivers it from memory. The student should not imitate the original...
by Erik Altman | Apr 22, 2026 | Resources
What to Expect Coaching Policy Debate Policy Debate is a two-on-two event that focuses on a policy question for the duration of the academic year. This format tests a student’s research, analytical, and delivery skills. Policy Debate involves the proposal of a plan by...
by Erik Altman | Apr 16, 2026 | Resources
What to Expect Coaching World Schools Debate World Schools Debate (Worlds) is a three-on-three debate format combining prepared and impromptu motions. While teams may include up to five members, only three compete in any given round. Students are assigned either the...
by Erik Altman | Apr 16, 2026 | Resources
What to Expect Coaching Informative Speaking In Informative Speaking, students author and deliver a 10-minute speech on a topic of their choosing. Competitors create the speech to educate the audience on a particular topic. All topics must be informative in nature;...
by Erik Altman | Apr 16, 2026 | Resources
What to Expect Coaching Original Oratory In Original Oratory, students deliver a self-written, 10-minute speech on a topic of their choosing. Competitors craft an argument using evidence, logic, and emotional appeals. Topics range widely and can be informative or...
by Erik Altman | Apr 15, 2026 | Resources
What to Expect Coaching Program Oral Interpretation In Program Oral Interpretation (POI), students use selections from Prose, Poetry, and Drama to create a 10-minute performance around a central theme. POI is designed to test a student’s ability to intersplice...
by Erik Altman | Apr 15, 2026 | Resources
Showcasing Your Speech and Debate Skills Speech and debate builds highly transferable skills that colleges and employers actively look for, such as advanced communication, research, analytical, and performance skills. You may be asked to prepare a variety of materials...
by Travis Rother | Apr 10, 2026 | Resources
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