Speaking advice

As I get more interested in public debating, I feel more lost. There is a lot I do not know about debating in person. There were a couple small tournaments that sprung up in the Detroit area, and I would not mind signing up for one. I am just wondering if someone can give me some premature advice.

Blackflag: Just a really small and obvious thing: know how to stand. Most beginners kind of tend to stand with both feet facing forward. Standing in this pose even when you're not nervous makes your knees shake and your posture slump after a time. Until you're a bit more experienced, I find the easiest thing for people is to simply put one foot a bit to the side, at a 45 degree angle. That should naturally make you stand up straight which has a HUGE impact on your delivery.

Also, practice speaking without reading. More written notes usually means a worse speech. My notes are usually like an a4 sheet with a rough flowchart of my arguments to help me with my structure, but I would never rely on them for content.

admin: Ah, reminds me of officer training. You're supposed to keep a gap in between your feet, pointing them in opposite directions. Like a 45 degree angle.

Blackflag: Exactly.