The Testimony of a Debater
by Rachel Richardson

"Parliamentary debate was one of the factors which made my senior year not only a time of enjoyment, but also of growth. I would like to share my debate experience with each of you. First, I will discuss a few of the reasons why I have enjoyed debate. Secondly, I will write about why I believe my experience was beneficial, and lastly, because I want to be fair, I will end with a few of the disadvantages of participation in parli.

First, why did I enjoy parli? There are a myriad of reasons. It was a situation where I was able to fit into a group of peers without compromising my values. I was able to meet several cool people and learn at the same time; I created friendships that have remained through my departure for college. I enjoyed being able to compete in a friendly environment, and of course receiving the ever-famous IBC rootbeer.

I could continue on about how much fun parli is, but instead I will discuss how it has benefited me in ways I couldn't even imagine. I now feel better prepared for my career as an educator. I, at times, am actually shy and quiet. I was concerned about my ability to stand up in front of a classroom of children and talk. After parli, I know I can stand in front of children, adults, or a mixture and speak with confidence. Participating in parli has increased my level of logic. I look at things more discerningly and enjoy listening from a different perspective. I can now think more quickly. In some of my college classes I am required to write an essay everyday; we are given a question and have 5 minutes to write an answer. Parli was great training for these assignments. Lastly, I can now write much more effectively (something which is very useful in getting scholarships for college and getting the grades you need once you are in college). I have learned to think and in turn write in a more organized manor.

And now what you have been waiting for! You may have read this entire paper just out of curiosity about what I would say of the disadvantages. I have discovered three things that could be considered a problem with parli. First, you become addicted. Now that I am in college I want to be participating in debate class. Unfortunately, they do not offer parli where I attend. I find myself hoping I will be home on break during a tournament so I can judge. I even have a friend here who I have decided would make a perfect parli partner. Second, I find myself wanting to heckle my preacher or my teachers. When someone says something I agree with I sometimes think, "Hear Hear." Although I have never experienced it, I am sure it would be very embarrassing if a person were to ever do such a thing. Lastly, for awhile after I dropped debate I couldn't help but look at everything as a great debate case. I would listen to the news and decide that something would be a wonderful topic to debate, only to remember that I no longer participate in parli.

You be the judge, I have given you the facts. Use the COST/BENEFIT ANALYSIS, and I believe you will discover that the BENEFITS FAR OUTWEIGH THE COST.

Enjoy your debate season and learn as much as you can!!!"

From a new debater…

      I just wanted to thank you for giving me the opportunity to participate in parliamentary debate. I never thought that in only 2 months my partner and I would go from never debating to finals at a tournament! I am still amazed that we went un-defeated in preliminaries. Thanks again for teaching me so much! -Maggie

From a debater who does not "like" debate…

      Thank you so much for teaching debate. I am so blessed to be in your class and tournaments. When given the option of participating in debate at the beginning of the year, I didn't think I would like it. I was right. I don't like it. I LOVE it! You make it so fun and beneficial in learning things at the same time! I really appreciate your efforts to help us all be better at what we love! Love ya always - Haley

From a debater whose dream has come true:

      I would like to say that going to semi-finals was a DREAM COME TRUE! Thanks a lot for helping us get that far. I also have to say my partner was tremendously great and I couldn't have made it without him. I learned a lot from our first tournament this semester, it really helped me learn and improve. Also, I would like to say that the tournament was really fun and that debate is my most favorite thing to do anymore because I really enjoy every minute of it. You've encouraged and helped me learn so much. Thanks for everything Kristina! - Jake

From another forced-into-debate-by-their-parents victim...

      Last September, I DREADED going to debate class. The only reason I went was simply because I had no other option. I too, was another forced-into-debate-by-their-parents victim. Well, by the first debate tournament, I realized how much fun debate can be, and how easy it is. My reasons for taking debate have changed by this semester. I am no longer FORCED into taking this class, but have chosen to because I have seen how my speaking ability has improved. I am able to express myself in words and paper more intelligently, I now have the confidence to defend my position in an argument (and sound half way educated), I enjoy debate and simply because I love my partner!!! J So, keep pushing me Kristina an dhopefully I will be able to speak with as much ease and confidence as you. (You did say to dream big…!) - Haley

From someone who keeps getting better...

      I love debate! It is so much fun! I like debating so much, that I'm not so nervous when I'm standing at the podium or making a case, having fun, especially in this last tournament when we went 3-2. I keep getting better. I'm having a great year and love debating! Your Favorite Student - Nathan

From a student who did not want to debate...

      When I first went to debate (which I was forced into doing) I thought that it was dumb. What's the point to debating someone else over a hypothetical topic. I thought that I was pretty good at public speaking, I had been in a couple plays and hadn't had any problem with that. But I quickly learned that performing in a play with rehearsal is alot different than giving a speech in a debate round. And it's not the topic we're debating, it's that you're learning how to speak and defend your position. I can't even begin to describe how much debate has taught me. All the success I've had in debate is directly related to our wonderful teacher Kristina; she has a way of making every thing about debate understandable. - Chris

From a student who has learned a lot...

      I would like to thank you for giving of your time, money, energy and so much more to this debate league. I have learned so much since I came last fall! I've made new friend, and I enjoy debating and giving speeches. Thank you for being an example for me to follow - someone who loves and follows the Lord, is always kind and helpful to others, and has such a joyful and excited spirit. I'm so glad that I got to know you and be your student! Love - Rachel

From a mother who appreciates the value of PSALT...

      PSALT is 'hands down' the best investment in time and money our family has spent on an 'outside' class. We have had the joy of watching our son grow and mature in his speaking and thinking skills. Teaching public speaking skills at home is easier now that he has a reason to learn them. We have also observed a new boldness in his ability to defend his faith through the skills he is learning in class. - Debby (homeschool mother)

From a student who didn't know what he was getting into

      At first I didn't want to debate but because I thought it was a seminar. But when I got there I saw a small class of students my age! After the second class I fell in love with debate! - Micah

From a debater who did want to try debate.. .

      Thank you so much for teaching debate. I have learned a great deal from you. I am probably one of the few who actually wanted to debate and boy am I glad I did. I remember the first class I ever went to. I was hoping that you wouldn't make us get up and speak in front of everybody, but you did. My speaking was horrible, but you encouarged me and pointed out the positive strengths. Thank you, Kristina. I love debate and can not stop thinking about it. I get so excited for debate. Thank you Kristina for giving up so much of your time and money to teach me how to debate.
Love - Audrey

From a debater who has learned quickly...

      I have learned so much in the 11/2 semesters in your class. It is not as hard for me to get up in front of an audience and give a 7 minute speech about why debaters should be allowed to take off their shoes during a debate tournament. All that to say that I am most grateful that you have helped all of us debaters.
Your Blue Angel - Brek

More Testimonials:

      I'm not going to say I was scared of debate, or that I was forced into it... I wanted to debate from the start. But here's the cool part. I had no idea what an awesome opportunity it would be for me to organize my thoughts in an intelligent way. I've always been a "performer" at times mom has told me I was born performing, but I haven't always been able to clearly state what it is that I wanted to say. Thanx to debating and the straight forward approach of Parli I am now hearing things come out of my mouth and thinking "Woh... did I just say that??? How'd that happen!" Thanx a million! - Melanie

      I was not a forced-into-debate by-their-parents-victim. If anything, they will have to force me out. Debate is my all time favorite thing to do thanks to your hard work. I knew debate would be fun I just did not think I would want to do it 24/7. I think I speak for every one when I say that you have made a first-class program. I do not know anyone who has not been blessed by it in one form or another. Winning finals was a dream come true. Thank you SO MUCH for giving us all this opportunity to do one of the most fun things in the world. - Toby

      I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful time I've had in deabate. When I first started and gave my 'friends' speech I was sure I was going to die. Now I LOVE giving speeches and writing and researching are some of my favorite things to do. Thank you for giving me the ability to speak in public with confidence. Thanks again for teaching me how to argue with logic. May you words always be seasoned with psalt. - Kelsey

      Well, I sure didn't want to start debate, but then after being dragged to every tourny anyways because of my brother being in debate, I realized I might as well take it and make my mom a happy camper, and I am so very glad I did. Debate has helped me in so many ways, I have learned how to speak with confidence, and also it has opened up a wonderful opportunity to meet lots of people that I share interests with. It has been a blessing in my life. Thank you - Abi