Blog

As an educator I have dedicated my career to empowering young minds. I believe in nurturing debaters who are not just skilled in rhetoric but are also well-rounded, informed individuals capable of shaping their FUTURE. As the Director of Vancouver Debate Academy (VDA), I’ve identified a crucial gap in debate …

In the realm of competitive debate, where eloquence meets intellect, the journey to success is often paved with relentless dedication, unwavering perseverance, and a hunger for growth. Within the vibrant tapestry of Bangladesh's national debate team, three remarkable coaches have etched their names in the chronicles of the country's debating …

If there’s anything you should know about Mike, it’s that he is truly an individual that cannot be summed up in one word, or three words, or even a sentence. His life journey has been an unconventional one, ranging from adventures in the field of screenplay, a love for art …

Public Speaking Tips Tips for Tournament TravelBe prepared for international tournament travel with these five tips. by Stormee Massey on 9/16/2022 If you have spent your entire debate career online thus far, you may be asking yourself: How different is this going to be? What do I bring? What should …

Unlike impromptu styles of debate like British Parliamentary, many styles are either entirely prepared or include rounds of prepped debates. These include World Schools Debate, Canadian National style, and Public Forum. For these styles it’s important to develop strong research skills, in order to build strong cases with creative, topical …

This may seem obvious, but consistently taking notes as you read, watch, or listen to sources, is key to effective and efficient research. Even just underlining or highlighting keywords and phrases significantly improves your ability to remember new information, and remember key concepts to come back to later on. Even …

Debate, like any sport, is a game that requires a balance of offense and defense. However, the way that offense and defense functions is different than what you may expect. In debate, your opponent’s arguments are like points they are trying to score, and your job is to block their …

6 Tips for More Eloquent SpeechEasy to implement strategies for effective communication Think back on a recent speech or presentation that really captured your attention and had you thinking about it days later. What magic did the speaker cast to make it so spellbinding?  Fortunately, it’s nothing quite so arcane. …