Advice Compilation for Younger Debaters
By the Women and Gender Minorities in Policy Debate Collective
February 17th, 2022
In response to seeing policy debate participation rates decrease across the board this past year, I along with other persistent upperclassmen women and gender minorities have compiled advice for younger debaters in an effort to increase their retention. We hope that other women and gender minorities in debate may find uplifting support and encouragement in our advice.
Always stand up for yourself. As a woman/gender minority in debate, it is very easy to feel alone at times and speaking up for yourself can be intimidating. Remember that there’s only a chance standing up for yourself can improve your situation and at the very least it will make you feel better!
Debate can be both an incredibly rewarding and draining activity and one of the most important things that has helped me to stay with debate is having good relationships with my teammates and coaches. Although it may be awkward at first, it’s important to remember that you are all part of the same activity with similar experiences. Having a support system where you are able to talk through ideas or in-round frustrations and accomplishments can help to alleviate pressure on yourself.
Finally, don’t be too hard on yourself after losses. Policy debate has a major learning curve and every loss really is a learning opportunity! Every high-level debater was a novice once and in your exact same position not long ago. Take away a few pointers from each round to incorporate in your future debates, ask as many questions as you need, and talk through the round with your partner to maintain good communication. Always remember that nothing in the past is ever a statement on your future potential as a debater! From, Audrey Sepahdari
Find your people! As much as debate is a fast-paced and competitive activity, it's a community first. Finding people in debate who you wouldn't have found otherwise is one of the most rewarding reasons to stay in the activity. Most of my closest friends are people I've met in this activity, and I wouldn't trade it for the world! From, Ella Williams
Have a strong support system! The coaches and peers around you are supposed to help you get through losing a round, keeping up with practice, or even needing a well-deserved break from debate. From, Kamakshee Kuchhal
Stick with debate - you may or may not struggle in the beginning, but if you get through the learning curve, debate will become something that's incredibly fun and rewarding for you.
Also, try to make friends with your opponents - sometimes rounds can get really stressful if you don't know who you're debating, especially during virtual debate. Obviously it's important to be assertive during CX and in your speeches, but outside of that, make chit-chat if the judge gets water or someone has to leave for whatever reason, make sure you congratulate them at the end of the round. You'll make more friends, and it makes the rounds a lot more enjoyable. If you're polite, in general, you're making the debate space as a whole a lot more welcoming, especially since you don't know the other team's experience level or background.
Finally, don't be afraid to speak up for yourself. It's important to be assertive - if someone says something rude or talks over you, it's fine to say "don't interrupt me" (if it's your CX, I guess if it's their CX then it's a part of debate strategy to cut people off, although it depends on who you're asking) and let them know that you can't be treated that way. It goes towards making debate more enjoyable, and also might teach the other team that it's not okay to be rude (they might not even know that what they're doing is not right). However, you want to make sure that YOU'RE not being rude when you tell them that (all about the balance). From, Anonymous
So first thing's first, ask a TON of questions. The hardest thing about policy is that there is a huge learning curve, so literally whenever you're confused about anything ask a coach or someone older than you on your team. I promise there is no such thing as a dumb question and they will be more than happy to talk you through anything. This goes for judges too. If you're not comfortable asking questions right after round, email them! The vast majority will get back to you. Two, don't be afraid of pushing back in cross x. If someone isn't letting you get your point across or ask your question, be assertive. I know it's super scary, but you deserve respect in round. Standing up for yourself is rarely a bad thing. Lastly, losses will happen. This is easier said than done, but try not to beat up on yourself when you lose. No matter what, you're still an excellent debater and a person who belongs at that tournament. This goes along with that, but don't compare yourself to another debater. Everyone is on a unique path and will accomplish things at different times. Winning isn't the only way to reach success. Learning and growing as a speaker is success in its own right. From, Anonymous
Seek out other female debaters! Maybe try to hang out with varsity members of your team or make friends with girls your year from other schools. Don’t let weird or sexist judges or opponents get you down— you’re awesome and good at debate I promise! From, Charlotte Baugher
[Debate is] the best thing I could do because I’ve made so many good friends and I can travel for free! From, Sara Khan
Be confident and don’t apologize for things that either aren’t your fault or aren’t warranted. I feel like as a girl/gender minority in this male dominated space, it’s easy to lose confidence, but make sure to stand your ground, people will support you. From, Anonymous
Have fun! If you aren’t having fun it doesn’t matter how good you are because you won’t get to enjoy the success. If you are having fun it makes every win better but also lets you get through the losses! From, Dana Thurnell