I’ve coached competitive high school debate for the past thirteen years, earning two diamond awards from the National Forensic League. I also have taught an elective speech class, and I regularly work debate activities into my English classes, especially as a means to teach persuasive writing and speaking.
To that end, I’d like to tackle yesterday’s Presidential debate from the standpoint of what I would like my own students to take away from it. Here are some of the instructional points that I would bring up in the classroom. Bear in mind that I’m simply highlighting the way each candidate expressed their viewpoint and managed their message during their two hours of stage and screen time. I’m not engaging in fact-checking here, nor am I arguing the merits of either side’s claims. I’m more interested in the candidates’ strategies and execution as public speakers and debaters.
1) Romney debated more than the President
