Welcome to LD Debate

You’ve just stepped into the world of Lincoln-Douglas (LD) debate- a world of logic, persuasion, and critical thinking. Whether you signed up out of curiosity, to sharpen your public speaking skills, or because someone convinced you it would “look good on college applications,” you’re here now. And that’s a great place to start.

LD debate is different from other forms of debate you may have heard of. It’s not about rattling off statistics or throwing a dozen arguments at your opponent and hoping one sticks. It’s a one-on-one debate, centered on big ideas- morality, justice, rights, and responsibilities. Every round is a structured argument about what should be rather than what is. You’re not just stating facts; you’re persuading your judge that your side of the resolution is the one that best upholds a core value.

So, what can you expect? First, expect to be challenged. Debate will force you to think in ways you haven’t before. You’ll learn to construct logical arguments, defend them under pressure, and poke holes in your opponent’s reasoning. You’ll practice speaking clearly, organizing your thoughts quickly, and keeping your composure when someone is trying to prove you wrong.

Expect to feel uncomfortable at times. No one walks into their first debate round and delivers a flawless speech. You’ll stumble. You’ll forget points. You’ll get caught off guard. That’s part of the process. But if you stick with it, something amazing happens: you get better. Your confidence grows. You start recognizing weak arguments before they even leave your opponent’s mouth. You learn to control the pace of a debate, to anticipate the judge’s perspective, and to turn difficult questions into opportunities.

Most importantly, expect to walk away from this experience with skills that go beyond debate rounds. The ability to argue persuasively, think critically, and articulate your ideas under pressure will serve you for the rest of your life. Whether you go into law, business, politics, or any other field, these skills will set you apart.

So, welcome to LD debate. Get ready to think fast, speak smart, and never look at an argument the same way again.