2013-2014 Policy/Cross-X Topic Analysis is Published!

 

We know you CXers have been eagerly awaiting our topic analysis for your topic, “Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase its economic engagement toward Cuba, Mexico or Venezuela.Here it is, just in time for second semester starters or holiday break case refinement! Find it below the fold. Continue reading

Posted in Cross-Examination, Free Evidence, Learn | 3 Comments

Judges’ Top Pet Peeves, and How to Avoid Them (Part 2/2)

 

After asking a wide range of frequent judges in each event, we have uncovered some of the most common debate judge pet peeves. Yesterday, we discussed the first half of the responses, and how to avoid making these classic mistakes. Today, we present the second half of the list. Continue reading

Posted in Cross-Examination, Learn, Lincoln-Douglas, Public-Forum | 1 Comment

Judges’ Top Pet Peeves, and How to Avoid Them (Part 1/2)

 

For today’s article, we consulted a diverse group of active judges from each event about what debater habits irritate them the most. Here are the results, along with how to modify your behavior and become every judge’s favorite debater! Continue reading

Posted in Cross-Examination, Learn, Lincoln-Douglas, Public-Forum | 2 Comments

Free Card Friday: Evidence Indict

 

Today’s free card has broad usefulness for debaters in every event. It argues that social science research should be viewed with skepticism, especially when it comes to using it to guide public policy. This is due to cultural and institutional pressures within the disciplines’ structures, which encourage the publication of inaccurate, irreproducible, or exaggerated information. Debaters can use this card any time their opponent supports their claims with evidence drawn from a single piece of social science research. Continue reading

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Improve Your Body Language to Improve Your Performance

 

This excellent TED talk discusses the transformative power of strong, powerful body language in shaping not only how we are viewed by others, but also how we view ourselves. According to Amy Cuddy, studies show that people who enact dominant body positions perform noticeably better in high-stress situations and are ranked more favorably by observers. Watch it below in its entirety:

 

 

What’s the takeaway for debaters? Stand up straight, don’t fold your body (such as by crossing your arms or legs), and, when you don’t feel confident, “fake it until you become it!”

 

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The Cross-X Questions You Can’t Afford Not to Ask

 

Cross-examination is perhaps the most under-utilized several minutes of any debate round. Since your cross-x gives you complete control over what subjects are discussed, it is crucial that you work to wring every last drop of strategic potential out of this time. Today, we’re going to look at which questions you absolutely cannot skip if you want to ensure success. Continue reading

Posted in Cross-Examination, Learn | 8 Comments

Public Forum: The Path to Citizenship & Congressional Politics- How to Navigate the Debate

 

As debates on December’s topic get underway, PFers are faced with a unique challenge: discussing an issue that is currently experiencing ongoing tumult and uncertainty in Congress. How should the day-to-day controversy with the House of Representatives affect the types of arguments you are making? Today, we’ll address this question. Continue reading

Posted in Public-Forum | 6 Comments