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Beginner's Guide Can I Be Competitive? What Is Expected Of Me? How Do I Begin?

Can I Be Competitive?

• Yes!
• Of the speakers from Shelbyville who competed at the State Meet over the years, 20 percent have been freshmen, 25 percent have been sophomores, 30 percent have been juniors, and 25 percent have been seniors.
• Of the speakers from Shelbyville who competed at the State Meet over the  years, 45 percent were competing in that event for their first year. Shelbyville students, believe it or not, are of a higher quality than most in East Texas. For example, at a Carthage debate tournament, which included some 34 schools - 1A through 5A, Shelbyville was the only school who had 11 debaters competing. All 11 debaters, including the beginners, finished in the top third - 3 made it the final rounds earning plaques.

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What Is Expected Of Me?

• You are expected to be truthful with yourself. If you don't want to debate because you don't know how, then learn how. It takes time and practice to learn how to debate. If it was easy, then we wouldn't be doing it.
• If you don't want to debate because you're scared, then you'll adjust. Public speaking especially debate is a frightening experience. Speakers have experienced a wide range of emotions; everything from being excessively grouchy to vomiting; it's normal & we understand.
• If you don't want to debate because you're afraid you'll loose, then get over it. You'll definitely loose. One beginning team won only one round their first year - they later competed in the State Finals and earned the Golden Gavel Award. Another team made it the State Finals their first year but lost in the semi-finals at District last year. You'll loose many rounds, but overall you'll win most of them.
• If you don't want to debate because you're not any good, then let the coach decide. Beginning debaters cannot possibly know how good they are - they simply don't know enough about debate to make an informed judgment about such things. One of the coach's jobs is to make judgments about how good a debater is - you're just going to have to trust him and his experience.
• If you don't want to debate because you don't like it, then it's time we find another event.
• You are expected to follow the coach's instructions. You cannot learn everything about debate overnight nor can you learn how to debate by sitting around and expecting a sudden enlightening experience. The coach will guide you along the path of successful debate - do 90 percent of what he asks of you and you'll be all right.
• You are expected to be considerate of other speakers and debaters. Debaters who have come before you have had a slightly tougher road to travel than you will have. You will gain by their experience, help, and support. Always be mindful that they don't have to help you - this, however, is a team event - we work as a team - we travel as a team - we win as a team - and we loose as a team. Be considerate of how others are feeling. There is normally one coach and nine debaters and a half-dozen other speakers. Everybody must wait their turn for instruction, advice, and attention - be patient and wait your turn.
• You are expected to attend the scheduled debate tournaments - you may opt out of one tournament of your choice.
• You may not unexpectedly not show up the morning of a tournament.
• You are expected to enjoy yourself - life is worth living - debate should be fun.

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How Do I Begin?

• Learn what you can in the classroom and do a reasonable amount of study at home.
• Debate! The only way to learn how to debate is simply to debate.

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Cross-Examination Debate
Shelbyville Student Handbook
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