Sexual Harassment in Forensics – 6 years later…

In relation to this previous post on a study from 1994 on coaching debate and raising children, I thought I might post some other studies that deserve revisiting.  This post refers to a study done by Pamela Stepp, former Director of Forensics at Cornell University, the results of which were published in an article in the [...]

Coaching intercollegiate debate and raising a family… 13 years later

This article is from the Winter, 1994 National Forensic Journal.  It was written by Ann Burnett Pettus, then Assistant Professor and Director of Forensics at U. of Nebraska, Lincoln and Mary Ann Danielson, then Instructor and Director of Forensics at Creighton University. 
The study only included five narratives, which represented a 60% return rate.  The authors note [...]

Laws get tangled up in lawmakers’ words

As a communication professor who coaches policy debate, I am always fascinated to find “real-world” examples of how important the debate basics are to being effective. For example, defining terms so everyone is on the same page; being specific in your advocacy so others understand exactly what they are supporting or rejecting, etc.  The attached [...]

Judge with your right ear…

Literally!  According to a list from http://www.egodialogues.com/blog/item-106.html if you’re having problems hearing someone speaking, you should “lean in with your right ear. It’s better than your left at following the rapid rhythms of speech, according to researchers at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine.”  So, when you are judging the fast speakers with soft voices, [...]

Practice is not enough…

In any competitive activity, the first thing competitors are told is typically, “practice, practice, practice…”  But, I think its important to recognize that practice is not necessarily enough or even good for you.  I used to be a swimmer and swim coach, and in swimming, when you practice wrong, its worse than not practicing at [...]

Speaking Skills = Success for Women

Yet another reason to support your local speech and debate program!  A recent study of 100 female executives in Southern California (not the most representative sample perhaps, but this could be impetus for a study of former participants in speech and debate) showed that public speaking skills were considered the MOST important factor determining professional [...]

Women in Debate – Some New Perspectives

A few things I have read this week have resonated with me, making me recognize some things about the discussion of women in debate that is constantly being replayed within the intercollegiate policy debate community.  I thought I would take this opportunity to share them.  I’m not sure they will help to solve any problems, [...]

Short note – Southwest Airlines College Traveler Program

I just saw this and thought I would post it, as it may save students some money and for teams with tight budgets, may mean another flying tournament you can attend.  Southwest is currently running a special for 18-23 year old college students that allows them to get four free flight credits plus the typical [...]

Things to do in June…

Well, another month is gone and in the world of speech and debate, the long year is finally over.  Most colleges are out for the summer and the year of tournaments, practices and endless research is over (high schools, if attending NFLs, still have a few more weeks).  But, as the saying goes, there is [...]

Additional methods to increase reading speed…

Whether you are a debater, an indivdual events competitor, or just a regular student, being able to read faster and with better retention is key to success. It makes you able to perform research assignments as well as homework assignments faster and more effectively. I definitely think that the fast-talking in policy debate has its [...]