Debate Resources The National Speech & Debate Association has always been there for me. From instructional videos to creative webinars, the Association is the gateway for students to become champions!” – Robert Tatum, student
The National Speech & Debate Association is the largest interscholastic speech and debate organization in the world! We have an extensive set of resources designed to provide competitive skills, professional support, and development for students, coaches, and teachers. As a member of the Association, you have access to debate webinars, instructional videos, topic analyses, Policy updates, sample legislation, training, resources, scholarships, contests, and more! Regardless of the size of your program, these tools are designed to help you take your team to the next level. Additionally, members have the opportunity to connect with thousands of coaches throughout the speech and debate community who share the same needs and goals. We work together to improve and advance the activity locally and nationally. This is the best association you could possibly be a member of! It builds confidence and has helped me become the person I’ve always wanted to be. It’s been the best experience of my high school career. I wouldn’t change my experience for the world!” – Mina Hoffman, student
Member Benefits MORE THAN 1,000 TOOLS AND RESOURCES! DEBATE WEBINARS – Members have access to more than 100 LIVE and recorded webinars. From how to construct a solid case to argumentation, logic, and the art of cross examination—webinars are designed specifically for students and coaches in debate events!
LESSON PLANS AND CLASS ACTIVITIES – From debating values and criteria to refutation and demonstration rounds, teachers can access a variety of lesson plans and activities for their debate classes or practices.
FINAL ROUND VIDEOS – One of the best ways to learn is to watch the National Champions in your event. Members have access to National Tournament videos dating back to 1985!
MONTHLY TOPIC ANALYSES – Access LD topic analyses and monthly PF topic analyses! Gain valuable insight on the current topics from the best coaches in the country.
RESEARCH GUIDES AND DATABASES – Members have exclusive access to HeinOnline and The Council on Foreign Relations. These outstanding databases will help you research current topical and regional issues.
MONTHLY POLICY UPDATES – Access current evidence on Policy Debate topics in one easy place! Every month, we provide new evidence on the Policy Debate topic. Begin your research and start building your case with our help!
TEXTBOOKS – • Debate 101 • Introduction to Congressional Debate • Introduction to Public Forum Debate • Introduction to Lincoln-Douglas Debate
TEAM FUNDRAISING – Through our Give Youth a Voice platform, teams have access to a free fundraising program to help you reach out to donors in your community!
TRAINING VIDEOS – Learn how to perfect your event with advice, tips, and strategies from previous champions.
JUDGE TRAINING – Train local judges with ease. As a member, you can utilize our training videos, sample ballots, comment sheets, and more!
COMPETITION EVENTS GUIDE – Learn everything you need to know about the main debate events including guidelines, structural components, performance tips, and more!
COMPETE FOR A BID TO NATIONALS – Members have an opportunity to compete in the District Tournament Series for a chance to perform at the largest academic competition in the world, the National Speech & Debate Tournament.
Interested in speech? We have a full collection of speech resources available online, too!
As a coach, the National Speech & Debate Association’s online resources help me be more efficient and knowledgeable on all debate events. The resources are like having assistant coaches at my disposal to help my team grow and succeed.” – Dario Camara, coach
Earn Recognition for Your Debate Program As a member of the National Speech & Debate Association, you have access to countless tools and resources to improve your students’ skills, enhance your coaching techniques, and gain recognition for your debate program. The National Speech & Debate Honor Society recognizes participation in local, state, and national debate events. Honoring students for their participation in debate activities not only builds the strength of your program but also boosts the support you receive from administrators. Earning national recognition for local participation is an exemplary way to demonstrate the value of debate at your school and in your community.
Recognizing our students for participating in speech and debate activities shows our school administration that we work extremely hard. They can easily see how dedicated our students are to success. In turn, administrators inquire about tournaments, attend events, and find ways to help us succeed. I can’t thank the Association enough for inspiring and unifying my students and community.” – Ariana Gonzalez-Green, coach and teacher
Membership in the National Speech & Debate Association Fee Type HIGH SCHOOL MIDDLE SCHOOL
SCHOOL
COACH
STUDENT
ALUMNI
Annual Dues $149 $75
One-time Fee +$20 each +$20 each
One-time Fee +$20 each +$10 each
— Free! Free!
Visit www.speechanddebate.org/memberbenefits for more information on becoming a member of the National Speech & Debate Association!
Questions? Please email info@speechanddebate.org