So your kid loves debate.
Congratulations! Your child has found one of the most intense, educational, inspirational, empowering and wildly fun competitions they can be involved in!
Here we will be providing some information for new and returning parents.
Please let us know if there's anything we should add that might help you!
Why debate?
01
Critical thinking
Debating helps students develop the ability to construct strong arguments and question conclusions. It can also help students become more curious about new ideas.
03
Research
Debating helps students develop skills in independent research, data analysis, and organization. This is a skill that will come in handy both academically and personally throughout life.
05
Interpersonal skills
Debate helps students master the research process, a skill that takes years of practice
02
Communication
Debating helps students develop strong oral and written communication, express ideas, articulate arguments, and engage in meaningful conversations.
04
Confidence
Debating can help students build confidence in public speaking and in participating in academic classes. It also helps them explore their strengths and weaknesses in a safe environment.
06
Teamwork
Debate helps students master the research process, a skill that takes years of practice
Quick info
Attire for competitions
The MVHS debate team has agreed that everyone should feel their best when debating, so there is no mandatory uniform or requirements. However, it has been largely agreed that debaters should look smart and shy away from jeans and hoodies if possible. They call it looking their "Debate Best!" Team members often wear blazers and button ups with nice pants. They also like to highlight the MVHS green where possible!
Items needed for tournaments
Overnight debate tournaments require preparation! One tip is to have a dedicated debate bag with the following items:
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Chromebook
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blank paper
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blank notebooks
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highlighters
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small blanket (some places get very chilly!)
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comfortable shoes (or even slippers for between rounds!)
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chargers for cell and chromebook
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Snacks
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Cash for concessions if possible!
Novice vs. Open Debaters
Novice debaters have their own category at tournaments. Novices will only compete against other novices and will be moved into Open when they appear ready to compete against more seasoned debaters.
Paradigms
Each judge will share their own paradigm: what they're looking for, what they like, and let the debaters know a little about them. Debaters can use this information to help their debate and "play to the judge". Debate judging is very based on personal opinions in regard to who won, so knowing ahead of time what a judge is looking for can help! However, judges are NOT allowed to use gender identity, personal style, speaking challenges, or appearance to judge students.
NSDA Points
Each round debaters earn points whether they win or lose. These points are career cumulative and earn them degrees within the National Speech and Debate Association. The NSDA gives new emblems to add to a reward for each new degree earned. You can learn more here!
