Why Debate?
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Team Selections
The Morehouse Debate Team has an open door policy, so anyone with interest may join the team at any time. However, we do hold an open tryout at the beginning of each semester to gauge interest and begin the process of training new members as early as possible. If you believe you may be interested in joining or are unsure, we highly suggest attending the tryout. Debate may be a universal activity, but organized debate requires an understanding of rules, regulations, and procedures that require a significant level of training. Therefore, the earlier you begin your journey to becoming a top level debater the better.
Everything You Need to Know/FAQs
1. Where are team meetings?
Meetings are typically held on the third floor of Brawley Hall, in room 204, 206, or 208. Just walk down the hall and you'll see us in one of the rooms and probably hear us arguing about something.
2. When are team meetings?
Meetings are usually held Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6:30-8:30
3. I don't have any debate experience. Can I still join?
Of course! Most of the members on the team come with no experience, and have managed to become state and even national champions. All we ask is that you come with an open mind and a willingness to work hard and learn.
4. I'm not a freshman, I'm a (sophomore, junior, senior, non-traditional student). Can I still join the team?
Of course! We accept students at all stages, and have had students come at all different stages of their collegiate career and still be successful. No matter where you are in your collegiate journey, if you're interested come check us out.
5. I missed the tryout period. Can I still join the team?
Definitely. Morehouse Debate accepts all comers, no matter what time of the year it is. However, we strongly suggest doing your best to make the tryout period and get started learning debate as early as possible, as there is a learning curve associated with the activity.
6. What is the time commitment?
How much time you dedicate to debate is entire up to you and how invested you are in the activity. The minimum commitment for team members is 4 hours a week of practice time plus any time spent traveling on the weekends. However, the most successful members (and those who travel the most) spend a significant amount of time outside of practices reading the news, learning new strategies, and practicing, and often commit to staying longer than two hours during a practice to sharpen their skills.
7. How does travel work?
Around two weeks before each tournament, Coach Newby along with the senior members of the team decide who will be competing at the upcoming tournament. This decision is entirely objective and based upon observed skills, time committed to the team, and performance in practice debates. Morehouse Debate has a successful program, and competition for travel slots is stiff. However, an individual who demonstrates commitment and improvement has a good chance of being included in the traveling squad. All expenses are paid by the college for any traveling members of the team.
8. The team sounds interesting, but I'm not sure if I want to be competitive debater.
No problem! Feel free to come sit in on meetings, talk to members, and learn more about the activity. We welcome all students with open arms, and there is no pressure to do more than you feel comfortable with. Some people come by for a few meetings, decide it's not for them, and move on, and others stop by once and become debaters for life.
9. What debate formats does the team compete in?
Morehouse Debate currently competes on the National Parliamentary Debate Association (NPDA) circuit and the British Parliamentary, or Worlds, circuit. To learn more about the formats and what they entail, check out the learn debate page.
10. I'm interested in learning more about debate. What should I do?
The learn debate page will have all of the information you need to get started. Also, feel free to look at our members page and contact a member of the team leadership or any other member of the team you may know on campus to learn more.
Meetings are typically held on the third floor of Brawley Hall, in room 204, 206, or 208. Just walk down the hall and you'll see us in one of the rooms and probably hear us arguing about something.
2. When are team meetings?
Meetings are usually held Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6:30-8:30
3. I don't have any debate experience. Can I still join?
Of course! Most of the members on the team come with no experience, and have managed to become state and even national champions. All we ask is that you come with an open mind and a willingness to work hard and learn.
4. I'm not a freshman, I'm a (sophomore, junior, senior, non-traditional student). Can I still join the team?
Of course! We accept students at all stages, and have had students come at all different stages of their collegiate career and still be successful. No matter where you are in your collegiate journey, if you're interested come check us out.
5. I missed the tryout period. Can I still join the team?
Definitely. Morehouse Debate accepts all comers, no matter what time of the year it is. However, we strongly suggest doing your best to make the tryout period and get started learning debate as early as possible, as there is a learning curve associated with the activity.
6. What is the time commitment?
How much time you dedicate to debate is entire up to you and how invested you are in the activity. The minimum commitment for team members is 4 hours a week of practice time plus any time spent traveling on the weekends. However, the most successful members (and those who travel the most) spend a significant amount of time outside of practices reading the news, learning new strategies, and practicing, and often commit to staying longer than two hours during a practice to sharpen their skills.
7. How does travel work?
Around two weeks before each tournament, Coach Newby along with the senior members of the team decide who will be competing at the upcoming tournament. This decision is entirely objective and based upon observed skills, time committed to the team, and performance in practice debates. Morehouse Debate has a successful program, and competition for travel slots is stiff. However, an individual who demonstrates commitment and improvement has a good chance of being included in the traveling squad. All expenses are paid by the college for any traveling members of the team.
8. The team sounds interesting, but I'm not sure if I want to be competitive debater.
No problem! Feel free to come sit in on meetings, talk to members, and learn more about the activity. We welcome all students with open arms, and there is no pressure to do more than you feel comfortable with. Some people come by for a few meetings, decide it's not for them, and move on, and others stop by once and become debaters for life.
9. What debate formats does the team compete in?
Morehouse Debate currently competes on the National Parliamentary Debate Association (NPDA) circuit and the British Parliamentary, or Worlds, circuit. To learn more about the formats and what they entail, check out the learn debate page.
10. I'm interested in learning more about debate. What should I do?
The learn debate page will have all of the information you need to get started. Also, feel free to look at our members page and contact a member of the team leadership or any other member of the team you may know on campus to learn more.