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5 Solo Debate Drills To Practice At Home

So, you want to dominate your next debate competition? While researching facts and crafting strong  arguments is crucial, successful debaters also hone their delivery and thinking skills. The good news? You  can level up your game from the comfort of your own home with these 5 solo debate drills: 

  1. Shadow Debate: Become a Rebuttal Machine 

Love epic debate battles on YouTube? Put them to good use! Find a speech from a debate round (WSDC  finals are a goldmine!) and pause the video after each argument. This is your cue to jump in. Do your best  to refute the argument out loud before resuming the video to hear the actual response. This drill hones  your rebuttal skills and trains you to think on your feet, a vital ability in the heat of a debate. Make sure to  listen to the actual rebuttal and compare your arguments to theirs— did you miss anything of theirs? Did  they miss anything of yours? Whose rebuttal was more offensive?  

  1. Get the Gist: Master the Art of Summarization 

Sharpen your listening skills and information synthesis with this drill. Listen to a lengthy speech or  lecture (TED Talks are perfect for this!). Once you’re done, try summarizing the main points in as few  words as possible. Why is this helpful for debate? Effective flowing and rebuttals require quickly  dissecting information and identifying key arguments. The better you are at summarizing, the better you’ll  be at navigating fast-paced debates.  

  1. Time Pressure Response: Think Fast, Talk Faster 

Want to conquer those nerve-wracking moments when you need to respond quickly? This drill builds on  shadow debating, but with an added pressure twist. Set up increasingly shorter time limits to respond to a  complex argument (try a WSDC or WUDC speech for practice). Start with two minutes and gradually  reduce the time, forcing yourself to think and articulate your response quickly and concisely. This trains  your brain to stay focused and deliver strong points even when the clock is ticking. 

  1. Flash Drills: Unleash the Impromptu Debater Within 

Channel your inner debate whiz with flash drills. Write down a variety of debate motions on pieces of  paper. If you have a friend to help you for an even stronger element of surprise, that’s even better! Set a  timer for 30 seconds to collect your thoughts. Then, deliver a one-minute opening speech on the topic you  drew. This drill forces you to think on your feet, develop strong arguments quickly, and structure a  compelling case— all essential skills for impromptu debates. 

  1. The Refinement Round: Polish Your Speeches to Perfection 

Don’t relegate your old debate speeches to the back of a drawer! Dig them out and put them through the  “Refinement Round.” This drill involves revising the same speech three times, each with a different focus: 

Clarity: Ensure every sentence is clear, concise, and easy to understand. 

Brevity: Can you convey the same message with fewer words? Aim for a punchy and impactful delivery. Connection: How can you tailor your speech to resonate with your audience? Consider incorporating  relatable examples and emotional appeals.

By revisiting your past work with a critical eye, you’ll identify areas for improvement and learn to craft  stronger, more persuasive arguments. 

So there you have it! With these solo drills, you can transform your home into a debate training ground.  Remember, consistent practice is key, so get out there, hone your skills, and prepare to dominate your  next debate competition!