The Debate Fundamentals Bootcamp

Debate Fundamentals Bootcamp Overview

Understanding argument structure and refutation  

What is an argument and how can you break it down into its key components? How do you refute arguments? What is defense? What is offense? What makes an argument matter? Learn to generate and refute arguments effectively. 

Comparing arguments and evidence
 
How do you compare arguments? What makes an argument or a piece of evidence better than another? How can you spot weaknesses in your opponent’s evidence? Proving that your arguments are better, not just good, is the key to win debates. 

Understanding framework debate

What is an ethical framework? What is the role of the value criterion? How do you decide what framework or value criterion to use? Why does a good framework have such strategic value. Learn how to use framework effectively to set up winning rebuttals. 

Structuring effective rebuttals

How do you give a rebuttal? What are you trying to accomplish and why? What are roadmaps? In what order should you answer arguments? Given time constraints, what should you emphasize? What should you ignore or de-emphasize? Learn how to structure effective rebuttal speeches to win the debate. 

Framing the debate: voting issues and crystallization

At the end of the debate, how do you convince your judge that you should win? What is a “voting issue” and how should you construct one? How should you compare your voting issues to those of your opponent? What are effective ways to “crystallize” the debate for the judge? 

Need these skills? Reserve your spot today!

About Our Programs

Our programs are intensive, focused courses designed to help you master a specific and essential debate skill. We're a group of experienced instructors who believe that by carefully designing classes and making them available online, we can guarantee better instruction at a lower cost. To ensure this, all our programs feature interactive webinars with premier instructors, specially designed course materials and metrics, individualized and in-depth feedback, and one-on-one personal coaching.

How exactly does it work?

You'll begin with one of your regular classes with a premier instructor, who will answer your and your peers' questions about an essential topic and tell you what you need to know, all from the comfort of your own home. These'll be group classes so that we can guarantee you will learn from the very best instructor to be teaching the topic. Each class is then followed with homework assignments, designed especially for your course to guide you through the material. You'll receive individualized feedback on each piece of your work. Instructors will be reachable before, during, and after class should you have a question about the material or about your feedback. Finally, if you opt for a drill package, you'll schedule one-on-one sessions throughout the program to practice your new skills with targeted drills. The class is fast-paced but tells you exactly what you need to know – in just a short amount of time, you'll have mastered a new debate skill!

Have to miss a class? Not to worry! All our classes are also recorded should you need it. Seats are always limited to ensure highest-quality instruction. Get the training you need – sign up now!

VC Academy Scholarship

Consistent with our mission, we want to make our programs accessible to all students, regardless of background. Both need-based and merit-based scholarships are available, especially for small schools. Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you are interested in our scholarship program!