Weeks 1–3 · Structure
Claim, warrant and impact, one argument at a time.
The programs, in detail
Four programs of 6 to 12 weeks, worked on the topic the student is actually debating.
Program 01 · Claims that connect
Argument basics
Most beginner cases assert three things and prove none of them. We work on the structure of a single argument until it's airtight — what you're claiming, why it follows, and why anyone should care — plus the common fallacies that get punished in a round.
Weeks 4–6 · Weak links
Finding the unsupported step in any argument.
Weeks 7–8 · Impacts
Why it matters, and to whom.
Weeks 9–10 · A first case
Two contentions, written and defended.
Weeks 1–2 · Searching
Databases, journals and getting past headlines.
Weeks 3–4 · Quality
Which sources a judge will take seriously.
Weeks 5–6 · Cutting cards
Accurate, in context, and defensible.
Weeks 7–8 · Your evidence file
Organized so you can find things mid-round.
Program 02 · Cards that hold up
Research & evidence
Evidence wins rounds and loses them. We cover searching past the first page of results, judging source quality, cutting cards without distorting the author, citing properly, and reading enough of a study to know whether it supports your claim at all.
Program 03 · Where rounds are won
Cross-ex & rebuttal
Rebuttal is triage. We work on flowing so you know what was actually said, deciding which two arguments to spend your time on, weighing impacts explicitly for the judge, and asking cross-ex questions that build your next speech instead of scoring points.
Weeks 1–3 · Flowing
Accurate notes under speed.
Weeks 4–6 · Triage
What to answer, and what to concede on purpose.
Weeks 7–9 · Cross-ex
Questions with a purpose.
Weeks 10–12 · Weighing
Telling the judge why you win.
Weeks 1–2 · Clarity
Understandable first, fast second.
Weeks 3–4 · Signposting
A judge who can follow you can vote for you.
Weeks 5–6 · Nerves
Practical routines before a round.
Weeks 7–8 · Tournament weekend
Prep, pacing and bouncing back.
Program 04 · Under the clock
Delivery & competition
Content nobody can follow scores badly. We work on clarity before speed, on signposting so a judge can track you, on prep-time habits, and on the practical rhythm of a tournament — including losing a round and recovering for the next one.
Want a straight read on a case?
Twenty minutes with the student and a parent on the topic and where rounds are being lost. Free.