8 Tips to Maximize Your NITOC Prep

Do not adjudicate

Only the most extreme issues, such as evidence fraud or manipulation, warrant adjudication. If you see a minor violation, make it a voting issue and impact it for the judge.

Avoid adjudication

Here is how to avoid adjudication: read the rules, have another set of eyes check your evidence, and print or highlight the original source for all evidence cited in-round.

Read your briefs

It does not do you any good to show up to NITOC with unfamiliar evidence.

Network

Reach out to other students to trade material and gain intel about strategies in other regions.

Hone your theory

Theory arguments allow you to tilt the playing field in your favor. Prepare and drill theory blocks so they come off smoothly in-round.

Start with sleep

In-round you are only as good as your brain, so make sure you are well-rested at NITOC.

Wordsmithing

Start and end on a high note by drafting the introductions and conclusions of your speeches in prep time.

Impact Calculus

Do not just tell the judge what you are winning, but tell them why you are winning. Impact the importance of your why over your opponent’s why.

Your Debate Committee