A new must-have resource for students, instructors, and debate coaches has arrived with the release of A Short Guide To Policy Debate by Alexander Hiland, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Communication & Media at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. This concise, practical guide offers a step-by-step approach to mastering policy debate at the collegiate level, equipping debaters with the tools they need to excel in competition. The book is designed to make policy debate more approachable while ensuring that students develop the skills they need to be effective and persuasive competitors.

With a structured and systematic approach, A Short Guide To Policy Debate walks readers through the essential elements of debate preparation, including topic analysis, case construction, rebuttals, and cross-examination techniques. The book provides clear explanations of interscholastic debate norms and rules in the United States, making it an invaluable resource for both newcomers and experienced competitors.

Designed with accessibility in mind, A Short Guide To Policy Debate covers strategies for conducting research, adapting arguments for online debate formats, and understanding judge tendencies. Each chapter includes glossaries, sample cases and speeches, as well as practical exercises to help students refine their argumentation skills and competitive strategies.

Ideal for students and educators in the fields of debate, persuasion, public speaking, and argumentation, A Short Guide To Policy Debate serves as both a classroom resource and a competition handbook. With its streamlined, student-focused approach, this guide will help prepare the next generation of debaters for success on the collegiate stage and beyond.