Debate 101: intro to competitive and academic debate

Dates & Times: Thursday @ 12:30pm-1:30pm* Pacific

Even if you cannot make the class time, recordings will be available to all class attendees.

15 weeks! January 8th - April 16th

This class is perfect for students, parents, and teachers who are new to academic debate. National champion Coach Griffith Vertican will teach you the art of mastering competitive academic debate which includes: the three pillars of debate, how to make a scientific argument, how to find better evidence, 4 responses to any argument, 4-point refutation, intro to cross-examination, how to be a more dynamic communicator, and how to give a fantastic game-changing rebuttal.

We will begin with a review of the fall semester to make sure all students have a strong foundation! Then we will dive deep into the three crucial strategies for running better cases, which will include classes on: how to ask better Cross X questions, how to answer more effectively, how to get better rebuttals, how to research and write better cases, and how to frame voting issues.

By the end of the semester, students, parents, and teachers will have gained the knowledge and skills to do their own competitive debate, and/or be proficient to run their own debate class/club. This course includes plenty of activities and the opportunity to do an actual debate.

* Class is an hour long. However, Coach Griffith often graciously offers additional time to work with students who need to work on cases, speeches, and arguments - often 15-30 minutes extra, especially on weeks when they’re doing practices.