Strategic Debate
The key to winning debates isn't found in boxes and boxes of evidence, a "flawless" case, or being lucky enough to win the judge's favor. The key to winning is in strategy, which is exactly what this book, authored by recognized debate coach Vance Trefethen, covers in detail. Within these pages, you will learn how to:
- Create affirmative cases that are tightly sealed from flaws
- Develop negative strategies that attack the best cases
- Formulate cross-examination questions that cripple opponents
- Answer cross-examination questions to turn judges to your favor
- Leverage the rules of academic debate to your advantage
- Gather evidence that builds, supports and defends your arguments
This 3rd Edition comes with an "Introduction to Policy Debate" chapter for beginners, plus additional material on flowing techniques and popular debate theory. Every chapter includes a teacher's outline, questions for discussion, and student preparation helps. Along with modified chapters, Vance includes an additional chapter on choosing and utilizing sourcebooks. Academic debaters who are serious about winning their competitions will be just as serious about owning a copy of Strategic Debate. The sound advice and proven tactics in Strategic Debate is certain to provide the needed tools for building a champion debater. In the spirit of Training Minds Debate Camps, the nationwide events Coach Vance leads, Strategic Debate provides the apparatus that will "train the mind for action" for debate rounds as well as the world.
"Thank you so much for Strategic Debate. It is absolutely fantastic! It contains a wealth of information. It not only clarifies many of the issues that seem confusing to first year students and parents, it also presents procedures and strategies necessary for winning and 'gaining that edge' in a simple, understandable format. Our club is only in its second year, so we are very thankful for your materials. Thank you again and I look forward to ordering additional copies of this book in the future."
- Ronda Creeden, California Coach
Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Monument Publishing; 3rd edition (June 1, 2007)
ISBN-13: 978-0-9795642-7-7