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.

Free forever for 10 lessons a day · Pro $9/mo for 30 · Debater $19/mo unlimited · See plans

Start here

Not sure where to begin?

Answer two questions and we'll point you at exactly one course.

1. What grade are you in?
2. How much debate have you done?

Pick an option in each column.

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. For a quick one-page reference instead of a course, see the format guides.

Lincoln-Douglas Debate
3 levels

1v1 values debate. Win at the framework level.

Policy Debate
3 levels

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

Original Oratory
3 levels

10-min original persuasive speech you write yourself.

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.

Public Forum Debate
3 levels

Two teams, a coin flip, and four minutes to make a lay judge believe you won the topic.

Big Questions Debate
3 levels

One yearlong philosophical resolution, two debaters, and the discipline to argue premises like a philosopher and evidence like a scientist.

Extemporaneous Speaking
3 levels

Draw a question, prep for thirty minutes, and deliver a polished seven-minute analysis of the world.

Parliamentary Debate
3 levels

Two sides, twenty minutes of prep, zero evidence cards — just fast, structured reasoning under the gavel.

Informative Speaking
3 levels

Teach a room something they didn't know in ten memorized minutes, with a visual aid to prove it.

Membership

Learn free, or unlock a faster pace

Every plan includes all 9 Congress courses, all 11 format mini-courses, short lessons, quick checks, unit tests, and progress tracking. Paid plans increase how many lessons you can complete each day.

See full pricing
Free · $0

10 lessons per day

Pro · $9/month

30 lessons per day

Debater · $19/month

Unlimited lessons

Progress saved locally in your browser.