<p>I am not on my high school's Debate team but I'm interested in politics, so I'm looking into joining.</p>
<p>I don't really know much about how the tournaments work though. Can someone explain to me what you do at a tournament? </p>
<p>Is there 1 public debate at a time or a few private debates going on at the same time?<br>
Do you just go up and argue one side of an issue, then the person who has the opposing view goes up and argues their side, and the judges decide who was better? Or is it an ongoing debate in which you interrupt and answer your opponent? </p>
<p>Would you recommend it to someone who kind of fears public speaking a little?</p>
<p>It really depends on the type of debate you do. Generally speaking, you debate with only the judge and opponent in your presence unless you get to later break rounds. The standard local tournaments around here have four rounds each tourney with you taking one side for two rounds and the other side for the other two rounds. Join!</p>
<p>Debate takes A HECK OF A LOT of effort. If in the unfortunate case that you decide to try Policy, you are looking at around 20 hours of research per week. Since you mentioned that you are interested in politics, I'd suggest Public Forum debate. The topic changes every month, and they are usually approachable. This month's topic is on alternative energy and government mandate. Last month was on social-networking sites.</p>
<p>There's a pro/aff and con/neg side to all debate. There's also a strict guideline as to how long you should speak and what you should cover in your speech. There are also crossfires/ cross-X for open question and answer. The judge just sits there and listens. </p>
<p>Tournaments are hectic. Everyone (or nearly everyone) debates at the same time. In my state, you go for 4 rounds. The result of your 1st round determines your 3rd round opponent strength. The result of your 1st and 2nd round determines your 4th. There are also speaker points. </p>
<p>Don't worry about public speaking. You may have apprehensions outside of a round, but once you are in, you'll be too absorbed in your case to be scared. Usually there is no audience and only one judge. But if you make it to the finals, then the door is open.</p>
<p>I sincerely recommend you to try debate. It really helps your thinking. Not only will you speak with more confidence, but you'll also gain clarity and conciseness.</p>
<p>Forgot to mention (it's kinda important)- you'll need a partner for many of the types of debate.</p>
<p>An average NFL (National Forensics League) tournament offers three different forms of debate: Linclon Douglas, Public Forum, and Policy (Also called Cross X). You can also do speech which offeres a variety of things. </p>
<p>Linclon Douglas with NFL is a one person vs. one person debate. You get one topic for every two monthes. The current one is, "Resolved: The United States ought to submit to the jurisdiction of an international court designed to prosecute crimes against humanity."
The topic are normally more philosphical. There's a lot of jargon, but not as much as policy. Here's something that might help you learn more about this style: <a href="http://www.lddebate.net/thirdedition.pdf%5B/url%5D">http://www.lddebate.net/thirdedition.pdf</a> </p>
<p>The third, Policy, is very stats. It encourages speaking as fast as you can cohearently to get as much info in as possible. I don't know much about this one. My school doesn't have any CX teams.</p>
<p>velleity, are you serious about "20 hours of research per week"?
I think most policy debaters from my school have spent no more than 10 hours of research this whole year, and they are qualified for state.</p>
<p>sqdwfe13, debate is tons of fun. You can be involved in C-X, LD, Public Forum, or even just Student Congress. Each has its own style, but all are very fulfilling.
Don't worry, I'm a shy person, but debate has helped me to overcome my fear of public speaking.</p>
<p>^^ Oh, trust me. Debaters in my state who have 4 boxes of briefs don't even break at state. It's truly very competitive here. The workload forced me into PF- as my friend would say- the policy rejects.</p>
<p>So let me just get this straight, just to be sure: In tournaments, you only debate in front of your opponent and a judge/judges and that is ALL?
And do you always have a mic at tournaments?</p>
<p>I've had opponents parents watch.
I've had other students watch too, but I didn't normally go for that. (In my state you can request that no one watches your round.)</p>