GDS Updates
We are debater. All of us have coached debate for 3+ years, covering everything from the basics of Public Forum
We offer free classes, debriefs, camps, case feedback, databases of cases & blocks for every resolution, 1-on-1 mentorship programs, chapter support, long-term debate learning plans for beginners, Novice, Junior Varsity and Varsity, drill sessions and everything you need to succeed as a debater.
GDS offers comprehensive Public Forum Debate programs designed to accommodate students of all ages and skill levels, ensuring that anyone with an interest in debate can find a place to grow and thrive. Our carefully structured courses are divided into Beginner, Novice, Junior Varsity, and Varsity categories, allowing students to progress at a pace that matches their experience and skill set. Whether you are a first-time debater just learning the ropes or an accomplished competitor seeking to refine advanced techniques, GDS provides the resources and instruction necessary to elevate your debate proficiency.
At GDS, we emphasize traditional Public Forum (Trad PF), as this format is the most accessible and widely accepted across international debate communities, particularly in regions where speech and debate programs are still developing. Many of these communities lack the experienced judges necessary to facilitate progressive debate rounds, making Trad PF the preferred format for fostering critical thinking and persuasive argumentation. By focusing on traditional Public Forum, we ensure that debaters are equipped with strong foundational skills that translate well to competitive settings at both national and international levels.
However, we also recognize the importance of understanding progressive argumentation, as it plays a significant role in the evolution of debate strategies. While our primary emphasis remains on traditional Public Forum, our Junior Varsity divisions incorporate lessons on the fundamentals of progressive debate, providing students with an introduction to complex argument structures, theoretical frameworks, and how to effectively respond to these strategies in competitive rounds. This balanced approach allows students to develop a well-rounded understanding of debate while prioritizing the accessibility and fairness of traditional Public Forum.
What water is to a human, tournaments are to a debater—essential, invigorating, and a source of growth. Just as hydration fuels the body, competition fuels a debater’s intellectual and strategic development. At GDS, we deeply understand that putting your skills to the test in real-time rounds is not only the most effective way to improve but also an invaluable opportunity for self-expression, critical engagement, and advocacy. Debate is more than just an academic exercise; it is a means of challenging contemporary issues, refining persuasive techniques, and actively contributing to discussions that shape our world.
To ensure that all our students have ample opportunities to compete, GDS provides access to a vast array of tournaments. As a proud member of the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA), we have entry to every open-sign-up tournament available on Tabroom. Whether you are looking to compete in local invitationals, prestigious national circuits, or international championship events, we can guide you through the process of selecting the best tournaments to match your skill level and competitive goals.
We also take the burden of logistics off your shoulders, allowing you to focus entirely on preparation and performance. From handling registration details to ensuring proper payment processing, our team at GDS takes care of all the necessary steps so you don’t have to worry about the technicalities. If you ever find yourself eager to participate in a tournament but unable to navigate the registration process on your own, we are more than happy to assist. Our goal is to make competition accessible, seamless, and stress-free, ensuring that every debater has the chance to showcase their talents on the big stage. No matter where you are in your debate journey, we are here to support and empower you every step of the way.
Summer, spring, winter. School is adjourned, out of session, debaters are thirsting for an opportunity to debate, grow and connect. The activity courses through our veins. GDS gives you the opportunity to do just that. Our extensive sessions focus on both theory and practice, with free resources for the upcoming resolution published at the end of each camp. Each camp culminates in an extensive tournament with as many rounds as possible.
Resource equitability is one of the hottest issues in the debate space right now. Undeniably, debaters who are able to pay for blockfiles, cases and briefs are going to have an inherent advantage, which is incredibly difficult to overcome without access to such resources. GDS strives to level the playing field one card at a time. We publish blockfiles, cases, briefs, and all debate resources we have access to.
Chapters are the driving force behind GDS. Chapters get many benefits like full support with starting a school debate club, free resources, and close communication with the GDS international board. To new debate clubs we provide a curriculum for all levels of Public Forum Debate. For existing clubs, we will help you sign up for tournaments, access our seasonal camps, get access to free resources and become part of an international community of like minded peers.
A community of perseverance, support and excellence. The primary goal of GDS is to connect debaters all across the globe, hence the name. From Vietnam to Thailand, GDS has chapters in schools of diverse thought and culture. Become a member of this community by signing up for our camps, joining or starting a chapter, or reaching out to us on all social media platforms.
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