What Is a Debate Coach?

A debate coach helps debaters prepare and improve their performance.

A debate coach is someone who coaches a debate team or an individual. Debate coaches generally coach high school or college-level debate teams. Politicians running for office also have debate coaches to prepare them for important debates.

Duties

A debate coach gives instruction on the finer points of debate, rhetoric and public speaking. It is the debate coach's responsibility to evaluate an individual or debate team's performance, point out potential problems and offer advice on how to improve.

Types

The position of debate coach is usually not a full-time job. Most school debate coaches have other responsibilities, such as serving as a high school teacher or as a professor at a university or college. A political debate coach is often a seasoned political strategist.

Events

Organizations host competitions for debaters of all levels. In addition, candidates for elected office usually participate in public debates with their opponents. School debate coaches may be responsible for arranging events and transportation and for supervising team members as they travel to and from debates.

References

• National Forensic League: Coaching Guide: Directing Debate and Speech Activities
• National Association for Urban Debate Leagues: Professional Development
• Mercer University: Mercer Strengthens Efforts in Debate, Adds Full-Time Coach