Why SBYDA?
At SBYDA, we offer three major resources that are not offered by the other coaching services in this area.
1. Students are coached by high schoolers who are currently active in the Saratoga High School debate program. This means that we are able to offer in-round strategies, tactics, and tips that we have used, that wins rounds. This is not offered by most programs which only give generic instructions on what to do in round, rather than specific advice to win.
2. The coaches have all attended various renowned summer debate programs across the nation including NDF, VBI, and Cal Debate Academy, thus we will use the knowledge and notes taken to teach the students the high level debate tactics that are taught at these programs.
At SBYDA, we offer three major resources that are not offered by the other coaching services in this area.
1. Students are coached by high schoolers who are currently active in the Saratoga High School debate program. This means that we are able to offer in-round strategies, tactics, and tips that we have used, that wins rounds. This is not offered by most programs which only give generic instructions on what to do in round, rather than specific advice to win.
2. The coaches have all attended various renowned summer debate programs across the nation including NDF, VBI, and Cal Debate Academy, thus we will use the knowledge and notes taken to teach the students the high level debate tactics that are taught at these programs.
What happens in the classes?
During the initial classes, we will teach students the basics of debate, and ensure that they are comfortable with their specific debate event (Public Forum or Lincoln Douglas). Then, in the following classes we will go deeper into each speech of the round, go beyond the basics, and teach round-winning strategies that we have picked up throughout our years of debate experience.
Then, or the first 1-2 classes at the start of each month when the monthly debate topic is released, we will have lectures discussing the topic, and talking about the best arguments to make and strategies to use. Finally, for the 2-3 classes prior to each tournament, we will have 4-5 practice rounds per class in preparation for the tournament, and the coaches will judge and give feedback to the students.
During the initial classes, we will teach students the basics of debate, and ensure that they are comfortable with their specific debate event (Public Forum or Lincoln Douglas). Then, in the following classes we will go deeper into each speech of the round, go beyond the basics, and teach round-winning strategies that we have picked up throughout our years of debate experience.
Then, or the first 1-2 classes at the start of each month when the monthly debate topic is released, we will have lectures discussing the topic, and talking about the best arguments to make and strategies to use. Finally, for the 2-3 classes prior to each tournament, we will have 4-5 practice rounds per class in preparation for the tournament, and the coaches will judge and give feedback to the students.
What if I don't know whether I want to do Lincoln Douglas or Public Forum?
That's perfectly fine! We expect most, if not all, students to join SBYDA without knowing which event they want to do. On the first day, we will briefly talk about both events and help students choose which event suits them best.
That's perfectly fine! We expect most, if not all, students to join SBYDA without knowing which event they want to do. On the first day, we will briefly talk about both events and help students choose which event suits them best.
How much work will I need to do outside of class?
Not much. With 2 hour classes, we will have the opportunity to cover a lot in class, so not much will have to be done at home. However, additional research and preparation is highly recommended, and would definitely improve chances of winning!
Not much. With 2 hour classes, we will have the opportunity to cover a lot in class, so not much will have to be done at home. However, additional research and preparation is highly recommended, and would definitely improve chances of winning!
Do I need to have prior experience to join?
No, not at all! SBYDA coaches will work with students with all levels of debate experience. In fact, we expect the vast majority of middle schoolers to join SBYDA with no prior experience. We prepare students so that they are debating at high school levels even before high school, granting them a headstart in their success!
No, not at all! SBYDA coaches will work with students with all levels of debate experience. In fact, we expect the vast majority of middle schoolers to join SBYDA with no prior experience. We prepare students so that they are debating at high school levels even before high school, granting them a headstart in their success!