DB8 Speech & Debate Academy
Short lessons · Unit tests · 12 events

DB8 Speech &
Debate Academy

Khan-Academy-style learning for speech and debate. Short focused lessons (~5 minutes), instant quick-checks, and unit tests that actually measure what you know.

How it works

  1. 1. Pick a course

    Choose a format and a skill level that fits you.

  2. 2. Do short lessons

    Each is 3–10 minutes with quick checks built in. Move fast.

  3. 3. Pass the unit test

    Hit 80% to unlock the next unit. Tracks your scores automatically.

Beginner · Congress

Beginner track

5–10 min lessons

Brand new to debate. Start here. Plain-English lessons. Examples come from the lunchroom and recess, not Congress.

Intermediate · Congress

Intermediate track

5–10 min lessons

You know the basics. Time to sharpen. Plain-English lessons. Examples come from the lunchroom and recess, not Congress.

Experienced · Congress

Experienced track

8–12 min lessons

Tournament prep — gavels and ballots. Plain-English lessons. Examples come from the lunchroom and recess, not Congress.

Other NSDA events

Format mini-courses

Short on-ramps to every NSDA-style event. Each format has 3 levels — beginner to experienced.

Lincoln-Douglas Debate
3 levels

1v1 values debate. Win at the framework level.

Public Forum Debate
3 levels

2v2 fast, accessible debate. Win with clean impact comparison.

Policy Debate
3 levels

Heavy evidence, long speeches, technical. Year-long resolution.

Parliamentary Debate
3 levels

Limited prep, no evidence cards. Pure argumentation.

Big Questions Debate
3 levels

Philosophy-driven 1v1. Resolutions on faith, science, ethics.

Extemporaneous Speaking
3 levels

Pick a current-events question, 30 min prep, 7-min speech.

Original Oratory
3 levels

10-min original persuasive speech you write yourself.

Informative Speaking
3 levels

Teach the audience something they didn't know — with visual aids.

Dramatic Interpretation
3 levels

Memorize and perform a dramatic piece (no costume, no props).

Humorous Interpretation
3 levels

Memorize and perform a comedic piece. Pop characters, physical comedy.

Duo Interpretation
3 levels

Two performers, one piece. No eye contact between performers.

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