Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

Mike Farris: Christy, what do you think is the very best way to learn about formal debate?

Christy Shipe: Well, I remember my first experience in learning debate in college; I showed up at the debate club meeting and I was so overwhelmed; it was like they were speaking a totally different language. So I actually didn’t compete that year, but waited until the next fall to take a debate class. And that really helped me understand what debate was all about. So I’d recommend beginning with some kind of class or academic instruction. I realize not all homeschool students are going to have access to a formal class, and that’s why I worked with HSLDA to create a textbook and DVD series that beginning students can use, and that’s called An Introduction to Policy Debate. And each chapter of the book has a lecture that goes with it on the DVD, so we worked really hard to make it as simple and understandable as possible. I really believe any high school student can learn this skill and learn it well. And then I’d also recommend getting involved in NCFCA, a Christian forensics league for homeschool students. They offer practice tournaments, local clubs; you can check it out on their website, ncfca.org.

Mike Farris: Christy, I know from experience that many students are going to benefit from these resources. I’m Mike Farris.