So for those of you who don’t know, today was the first day of streams for the national tournament, and I thought it was pretty fantastic. But besides the great performances there was a lot of something else I noticed. Everyone else’s dedication to speech and debate. I’m going to break this down a little bit, I want to talk about the NSDA itself, the sponsors, and the coaches.

THE NSDA:

Tonight was the diamond ceremony, and I plan to focus a lot on the coaches and other people brought up in the ceremony, but first I want to talk about how well the NSDA actually keeps up with things. The number of genuine emotions presented by the NSDA members was pretty heartwarming. The fact that the organization takes time to remember alumni and influential people who have passed on really tells me that they do care about what they do. They are not some out of touch organization, but a well put together organization that cares for its members. The fact they continually strive for improvement also speaks to me. 

THE SPONSORS:

If you tuned in before any of the final rounds there was a slideshow of sponsors, and thankfully it was quite numerous. I may be getting really sentimental (or as sentimental as a debater can get) when I say that seeing the amount of support that comes from outside sources is beyond belief. I’m so so happy that there are people outside of those currently in forensics that care about speech and debate and the impact it has on each and every one of us. 

THE COACHES:

The diamond banquet was a great example of just how dedicated many coaches are to their team. For most of them it is more than a job, more than something that they have to do. It’s something that many of them want to do. My coach once told me that “Forensics isn’t an extracurricular, it’s a way of life” and that really stuck with me. I know that my coach puts in more hours than any sane person would want to put in on top of being a full-time teacher and single mother. My coach’s dedication never ceases to amaze me. But what makes me even happier is that there are other coaches out there who are just as dedicated to seeing speech kids succeed and do well, even outside the tournament. These coaches who care so much about this event…well I’m at a loss for words really. Seeing the banquet really just exemplified the dedication and hard work that goes into coaching. I see great coaches like that all over the place, at every tournament I go to, and I love it. I would implore you to remind your coach that you appreciate them, sometimes they need it. 

/rant 

sorry for all the text posts today…got carried away

Write about your novice year.

My first debate ever I was nervous as all hell. First time (and hopefully last time) I’ve ever shaken from fear. Forgot to attack my opponents case in the 1NR and lost. By the end of the day I had won my first debate, and then the next tournament I broke to quarter-finals. I like to claim I didn’t have a novice year cause I went from shaking, scared novice to knocking out seniors in a single tournament. 

Write about your most embarrassing moment at a tournament. 

Besides my first debate, which was awful, the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to me at a tournament was showing up 45min late to debate the state champion. I had extemp finals, and apparently 5min after I went into the draw room they posted breaks for LD. About 15min after I drew someone from tab came looking for me. I had to drop my topic, go debate (I only had one slightly broken pink pen with me now that I think about it.), lose because I underestimated him (everyone else I had debated that day ran the same argument essentially with the same flaw…he didn’t have that flaw), then run back with him to extemp, then go with him to salesmanship finals….not fun.

10. An event I wish I could do:

Congress. The problem with it is that it overlaps everything else that I do. I did model UN in school (very very loosely related to congress) and loved it.

11. Event that I can’t stand

There really isn’t an event that I downright don’t like. One thing that annoys me is when the lines between debate styles start to blur.For example bringing up philosophy in PF or treating LD like it was CX.

12. Any special rules on your team?

You must enjoy oreos, journey, and trophies. :p No but seriously nothing special. We do do one weird thing, which is dress casually for awards. It’s a lot nicer I think, and its no longer a performance.

spoonerisms-r-us

Speech class becomes really really easy.

A greater understanding of the world around you and a better ability to respond to it and make changes within it.

You can practice the art of intimidation without looking creepy! (well, not as creepy)