Survival Guide: Your First Debate Tournament
Welcome to the world of debate! If you’re gearing up for your first tournament, it’s completely normal to feel a mix of excitement, nerves, and uncertainty. Remember, every experienced debater started just where you are now! To help ease your transition into this new experience, we’ve gathered insights and advice from Varsity debaters who’ve been in your shoes. With their tips, you’ll feel more prepared to tackle your first tournament.
Wondering what a tournament looks like? Check out this video!
Advice from Experienced Debaters
Remember to have fun
“Remember to have fun! There’s no point in debating if you don’t enjoy it.”
-Yao Buchl, Highland Park
Lean on your teammates and coaches
“Get along with your team, especially your older teammates, they usually know more about the resources. Personally, they’re more approachable than the coaches are, especially at first.”
-Evelyn Anderson, Thomas Edison High School
“Debate can be scary, but whether or not if you win or lose, just know you’re not alone. There’s experienced debaters, coaches, and even students on the SLT who have all had that moment of “I have no idea what’s happening”.
-Yao Buchl, Highland Park High School
Everyone is stressed
“I would say, everyone is stressed. It may not seem like it, but this is new for everyone and it gets better the more you do it. Everyone in the room with you is a human who is still learning, advocate for your needs and try to make connections!”
-Sofia Burgess, South High School
Take care of yourself
“When you’re in a round, it’s like life or death. It feels like the biggest thing in the world at the moment. It’s kind of like being on a roller coaster, by the end you’re going to be safe, nothing bad is going to happen, but it’s still scary on the ride. By the end you’re like “Oh, that was exhilarating, I want to do that again!”
-Djomba Camara, Thomas Edison High School
“My advice for a first tournament (or the first few) is bring things to make you comfy and to destress: snacks, blanket, headphones, water, etc. I would also recommend talking to your coaches if you are feeling stressed and take some deep breaths before the round and before each of your speeches.”
-Sofia Burgess, South High School
As you embark on this journey, remember that every seasoned debater made it through their first tournament. Treat your first tournament as a learning experience, knowing that support is all around you- from your teammates to your judges. Take a deep breath, enjoy the experience (and the pizza)!
If you have any questions or need a little extra encouragement, reach out; your coaches, teammates and the MNUDL are here for you every step of the way.
