COMING THIS FALL

We are proud to announce the beginning of our newest feature, the Carver Files Podcast.  The first monthly podcast in the history of public forum debate will feature former National Champion Patrick Carver, President of the Carver Files offering advice and tips on each topic. Carver will be joined each month by different members of the Carver Files staff which now includes 6 national champions. Get advice straight from the people who have the most success in the event. The Carver Files Podcast will complement the evidence and research and file we produce every month filled with evidence and detailed analysis. Grab your MP3 player of choice and download it here for FREE, for every NFL public forum topic. We are excited and can’t to bring this new and exciting tool to the public forum community.

Good Luck at Nationals from the Carver Files. If you need that final touch of coaching wisdom, don’t forget to check out our article “Birmingham Ballin: NFL Nationals Preparation 2K9“.  We made it brief because we’re pretty sure the last thing you want to be doing right now is more reading.  Instead, consider this a short, mid-game pep talk to help you get through the debate-a-thon known as NFL Nationals.

  Carver is the President & CEO of the Carver Files. In 2004, Carver and his partner Emma Bentley went 15-0 to win the NFL Public Forum National Championship. The next year, Carver placed 3rd in the nation narrowly losing on a 3-2 decision. Carver also enjoys giving motivational speeches, seen here adorning his signature double bandana look. 

    NFL Nationals was one of the most challenging but rewarding experience I have ever been a part of. It was rather surreal in fact, going from an 0-2 non-qualifier to becoming an undefeated national champion. Nationals is not only a test of your intellect but your tempermant and focus as well. Looking back, I remember how hard it is to debate anything 15 times in the span of a couple of days. Despite the lack of sleep and hectic schedule, there are some simple ways to overcome the stress and intimidation of nationals.

It’s important to remember that nationals are comprised of people, just like you and me (although I could see at least a couple of people I have debated turning out to be aliens). It’s natural to be nervous, but keep it in perspective. You have earned your spot to compete among the nation’s best, which is what you are. I can remember watching teams at nationals that would have been demolished by our regional competition in Missouri (Big Ups to Springfield). Go in to the tournament without any fear and don’t allow yourself to start thinking what about the ‘what ifs’.

    If you do your research and put in the practice, you will be able to perform at at an optimal level. Don’t get wrapped up in trying to change your game plan at the last moment. Stick with what has given you success throughout the year and your career as a debater. By all means don’t turn your back on a new idea or argument, but don’t feel pressured to change your style. It will likely do more harm than good and leave you appearing unconfident in front of the judge.

    With that said, it is important to continue to remain informed about the topic. You will undoubtedly hit teams with arguments that you are not familiar with so it is imperative that you develop a comprehensive understanding of the issue. By periodically looking for evidence and just generally reading about the topic at hand, you will enjoy a tremendous advantage over your opponent.

    Final tip is pretty simple, have fun. It’s cliche, ya ya ya I know but I’ve been out of high school now for a number of years and some of my best memories are from the NFL National Tournaments. It is an amazing experience to be able to see a different part of the country while competing in an activity you love. See the sights! Get Outdoors! & Bring Home Some Shiny Hardware (If you can get it through airport security)!

Editors Note: Win Nationals! And the party will be…probably about as fun as a debate party can get! Video tape yourself doing this jazzy number after a debate win with video evidence and I will personally give you a $50 spot.