New book forges a pathway to community, growth, and change

[Southern Illinois University Press: Release; December 18, 2023]

A pathway to community, growth, and change

Paper: 978-0-8093-3922-8
E-book: 978-0-8093-3923-5
$26.00, 232 pages

Transcending the Game: Debate, Education, and Society

Shawn F. Briscoe

“Transcending the Game is a unique work that highlights the perceived styles of competitive policy debate and the impact of these styles on lived experiences. The beauty of this book lies in its inclusion of diverse scholars and perspectives that help to detail the evolution of a perfectly imperfect activity.”—Shuntá Jordan, head coach, Georgia Debate Union at the University of Georgia

Read more about this book.

This collection of inclusive essays explores the role of debate in understanding and critiquing injustice and inequality. Edited by Shawn F. Briscoe, these essays closely examine multiple approaches to debate, considering their respective merits and controversies. This detailed compilation analyzes how debate methodologies are useful in everyday life and whether certain approaches have any value at all.

Briscoe provides an in-depth look into the varying styles of debate and contributes to a greater understanding of argument theory by discussing three stylistic approaches: audience-centered, technical/progressive, and nontraditional/performative. The book demonstrates that all three approaches offer students opportunity to engage in a socioemotional learning space, a discipline that prepares students for undergraduate and graduate work, a study that prepares participants for future careers, and a field that investigates current controversies and how to tackle them. Briscoe offers compelling narratives from BIPOC, LGBTQIA, and women authors that explore the personal impact of debate on social equality within this academic discipline, our educational system, and society.

The diversity in gender and race of the contributing authors allows for a multitude of perspectives on the complex styles, benefits, and issues discussed in Transcending the Game. Briscoe peels back the mystery that shrouds the benefits of academic, competitive debate from outsiders and insiders alike. A myriad of personal narratives tell stories about the role of debate in their lives; challenge the unproductive discourse in debate, education, and society; and offer diverse insight into why we debate.

To review this book, schedule the author for an interview or a reading, or obtain information about course adoption, contact siupresspublicity@siu.edu

For rights and permissions inquiries, contact rights@siu.edu

Book Release!

I am excited to announce the release of my new book published by Southern Illinois University Press: Transcending the Game: Debate, Education, and Society, edited by Shawn F. Briscoe.

The book is a compilation of essays from 20 different authors who explore the intersection of debate with society, the education system, the individual, and even debate itself. It can be purchased directly from SIU Press, Amazon, or any online bookseller. Of course, you can also order through your favorite independent bookstore … like Left Bank Books in Saint Louis!

Reviews

“Transcending the Game is a unique work that highlights the perceived styles of competitive policy debate and the impact of these styles on lived experiences. The beauty of this book lies in its inclusion of diverse scholars and perspectives that help to detail the evolution of a perfectly imperfect activity.”—Shuntá Jordan, head coach, Georgia Debate Union at the University of Georgia

“Transcending the Game offers readers an in-depth and up-close look into the life-changing potential interscholastic debate can afford its participants. The authors’ diverse perspectives take the reader through a compelling journey of thought-provoking, uplifting, and heart-breaking stories that each exemplify the power debate creates outside of the competitive arena. For anyone considering getting involved in the activity, this book is a must read.”—Dr. Michael Greenstein, director of debate, Glenbrook North High School, and former director of debate, Georgetown University

“Briscoe has an unparalleled ability to explain the oftentimes complicated and complex concepts of policy debate in a way that is easily understandable. Through his use of personal experience along with his explanation of the theory and idiosyncrasies of policy debate, he creates a space that makes debate open and accessible to all, regardless of background or experience. This text is extremely timely, relevant, and necessary to continue the longstanding tradition and evolution of policy debate.”—Nicole Freeman, associate professor of communication, University of Central Missouri 

About the Book

[SIU Press] This collection of inclusive essays explores the role of debate in understanding and critiquing injustice and inequality. Edited by Shawn F. Briscoe, these essays closely examine multiple approaches to debate, considering their respective merits and controversies. This detailed compilation analyzes how debate methodologies are useful in everyday life and whether certain approaches have any value at all.  

Briscoe provides an in-depth look into the varying styles of debate and contributes to a greater understanding of argument theory by discussing three stylistic approaches: audience-centered, technical/progressive, and nontraditional/performative. The book demonstrates that all three approaches offer students opportunity to engage in a socioemotional learning space, a discipline that prepares students for undergraduate and graduate work, a study that prepares participants for future careers, and a field that investigates current controversies and how to tackle them. Briscoe offers compelling narratives from BIPOC, LGBTQIA, and women authors that explore the personal impact of debate on social equality within this academic discipline, our educational system, and society. 

The diversity in gender and race of the contributing authors allows for a multitude of perspectives on the complex styles, benefits, and issues discussed in Transcending the Game. Briscoe peels back the mystery that shrouds the benefits of academic, competitive debate from outsiders and insiders alike. A myriad of personal narratives tell stories about the role of debate in their lives; challenge the unproductive discourse in debate, education, and society; and offer diverse insight into why we debate. 

NSDA National Speech & Debate Championship

National Speech & Debate Championship, June 11-16, 2023

I am so proud to have been a part of this year’s NSDA National Speech & Debate Championship in Phoenix, Arizona.

This was my first year attending the national championship in person since before the pandemic. This year’s tournament brought together 4,425 students (3,681 entries in 15 events) & 1,959 judges from 1,123 schools & 52 states or foreign countries.

I had the pleasure of catching up with numerous friends from around the country, judging some amazing students in policy debate, and chatting with some remarkable judges.

The final rounds are streaming Thursday & Friday at this link: https://live.speechanddebate.org/

Watch Girl Talk

Girl Talk, a film by Lucia Small, debuts on broadcast television Monday, March 6th at 8/7c

I have heard great things about Girl Talk and am incredibly excited to watch this film by Lucia Small.

Debate is such a powerful activity. It affords so many opportunities, and it helps develop and refine indispensable skills. It is also, unfortunately, not without its flaws.

About GIRL TALK

(Copied from WGBH Educational Foundation website) The Newton South Debate Team is one of the largest in the country, with a diverse roster of debaters; nearly half are girls and many are first generation Americans. Unlike most of their elite competitors, they must only rely on one another to master the art of debate. Set in the cutthroat, male-dominated world of high school debate, GIRL TALK tells the compelling story of five girls on the top-ranked Massachusetts high school team as they strive to become the best in the U.S.

Shot over four years, the film offers a front row seat to leadership in the making, as varsity members step up to become captains and bear the responsibility of training and inspiring novices. The girls themselves have to find their own voices - perfecting speaking and research skills, while grappling with confidence issues, and weathering the realities of fierce competition. They must also learn to navigate the implicit and explicit gender biases rife in the world of debate. As the five debaters remain steadfast in their determination to overcome the odds, they remind us that equal rights and freedom of expression are worth fighting for, both within debate and beyond.

Ways to Watch GIRL TALK on WORLD

• If your local PBS station carries the WORLD Channel, you can watch it live at the following times:

  Monday, March 6, 08 pm EST / 5 pm PST on WORLD
  Tuesday, March 7, 1 am EST / 10 pm PST on WORLD
  Tuesday, March 7, 9 am EST / 6am PST on WORLD

• Stream on the WORLD Channel Website

• Several local stations have also programmed GIRL TALK on their primary channels. Please check your local listings to see if it’s on their schedule. If not, feel free to reach out to member services to request programming.

• If you are a member, you can stream on the PBS Passport App.

• Later this month the film will also be available on some of your favorite streaming sites like Amazon and Apple TV.

Why Debate (Kindle Countdown)

Why Debate: Transformed by Academic Discourse — Kindle Countdown Deal Oct. 6-13, 2022

My first book, Why Debate: Transformed by Academic Discourse, was released in September of 2016. For the next 8 days, you can get your digital copy of the book at a discounted price from Amazon Kindle.

Misunderstood or unknown by outsiders, debate has far-reaching impacts on society. This collection of essays from diverse group of individuals, highlights the significance the activity has, not just on those who engage in it, but upon people everywhere.

The activity serves as a foundation for growth as students learn to navigate through society, form relationships, and develop the skills they need to succeed in college and beyond.

Those who participate in the activity develop skills and dispositions that help them succeed in their chose professions.

Ultimately, debate makes participants aware of what needs changed in the world; and, it gives them the ability to effect meaningful change.

“5 Stars” by Foreword Clarion Reviews - “RECOMMENDED” by U.S. Review of Books - “5 Stars” by Readers’ Favorite

"Words DO matter, and the authors of Why Debate argue the essential benefits that participants in competitive debating receive and the impacts on society that result. Why Debate uses a perfect blend of academic argument and personal anecdote to prove the direct impacts that debating has on student achievement, civic engagement, and crucial skill development." - J. Scott Wunn, Executive Director of the National Speech & Debate Association

"This collection of essays belongs in the hands of all those looking to persuade a thinking public. Shawn Briscoe's collection of essays Why Debate is a compelling argument for the inclusion of debate and forensics programs in American high schools and universities." - Foreword Clarion Reviews

Amazon Countdown Deal kicks off today at $0.99. Every day-and-a-half it will notch back closer to the list price.

Congrats to West Anchorage!

West Anchorage (Alaska) High School Named 2022 NFHS Performing Arts School of Excellence

Congratulations to West Anchorage HS for being named the National Federation of High School’s Performing Arts School of Excellence for 2022! A special shoutout to my friend and former student, Michaela Kolerok, who helped earn this honor as the coach of the Drama, Debate, & Forensics program at West! (See the NFHS press release below)

NFHS NEWS SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 (link to original post)

West Anchorage (Alaska) High School (WAHS) has been selected by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) as the 2022 NFHS Performing Arts School of Excellence. West Anchorage becomes the seventh school to receive the award, which the NFHS has presented annually since 2016 to one high school in the United States.

Honored for their exemplary commitment to performing arts programs, NFHS Performing Arts Schools of Excellence are chosen in connection with National High School Activities Month in October, an initiative that serves to remind students, parents, coaches, administrators and others in communities across the country about the values and benefits of high school activity programs.

Dr. James Weaver, NFHS Director of Performing Arts and Sports, is in Anchorage today to administer a commemorative award plaque to Sven Gustafson, West Anchorage High School principal, along with WAHS performing arts teachers, during a special ceremony at the school.

“This award is a tremendous way to celebrate some of the outstanding performing arts programs around the country,” Weaver said. “West Anchorage High School has a long history of success in the arts – both in the state of Alaska and Section 8 – and we are excited to highlight the efforts of their students, teachers and administrators. We hope this award will inspire further growth for the performing arts programs at West Anchorage and around the country.”

Known for its incredibly diverse student body – currently the third-most diverse public high school in America according to Niche.com – West Anchorage also boasts diversity within its performing arts lineup, offering band, choir, dance, drama, orchestra, visual arts and a hybrid activity called Debate, Drama and Forensics (DDF).

“The diverse community at West Anchorage High School is ecstatic to be receiving this award and is so honored to be recognized by the NFHS,” said Gustafson.

Built as the original “Anchorage High School” in 1953, the school’s emphasis on the arts was established immediately when it added a 2,000-seat auditorium – still the largest of any high school in Alaska – one year after opening. That continued commitment to the arts over almost 70 years, which has included hosting concerts for several mainstream bands and recording artists, has baked itself into the school’s identity over time.

 “The Arts are a huge piece of who West has always been and are still an integral part of the makeup of our school and community,” Gustafson said. “As you look through our trophy cases you will see that the Arts have been flourishing at this school since its existence. Our auditorium has seen the likes of Johnny Cash, The New York Philharmonic (orchestra), and even the Grateful Dead!”

Under the direction of Kirby Kaufmann, the WAHS band has produced a number of group and individual honors since 2019. The band regularly scores “superior” and “excellent” ratings at the Anchorage School District’s (ASD) yearly Large Group Region Festival, with one student being named Most Outstanding Fine Arts Senior by ASD in 2021. Multiple students have earned superior grades at the Alaska School Activities Association (ASAA) Solo & Ensemble Festival, and at least one band member earned “top soloist in the state” honors for their instrument at the 2019, 2021 and 2022 ASAA Command Performances (made up of students who received “1” ratings for their original submissions). Numerous others have qualified for the all-state and all-Northwest bands.

Outside of its presence at festivals, the WAHS bands – pep band, jazz band, symphonic band, wind ensemble and musical theater pit orchestra – staged 28 performances during the 2021-22 school year.

JT Fryer and Gabrielle Pierle have built an outstanding choir program that has seen 18 ASAA All-State Choir First Chair Awards and 11 ASAA All-State Solo & Ensemble Command Performance Awards since 2017. Within its own district, the WAHS choir received a “I” rating at the ASD Large Group Region Festival in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2022.

Away from home, the choir has been equally, if not more, impressive, garnering the Choral Sweepstakes Award, Outstanding Choral Ensemble, Treble Choir Adjudicator Award and Concert Choir Adjudicator Award at the 2018 Anaheim WorldStrides Music Festival. At the 2022 Chicago WorldStrides Heritage Music Festival, it followed up with six more accolades: the Sweepstakes Award, Outstanding Choral Ensemble, Treble Choir Adjudicator Award, Men’s Choir Adjudicator Award, Concert Choir Adjudicator Award and Festival Maestro Award for Vocal Soloist.

DanceWest has performed for 33 years as one of only two dance groups in the Anchorage School District and the only one that competes in a national touring competition, 5678 Showtime. Instructor Irenerose Castillo carries anywhere from 100 to 120-plus members at any given time and allows each of her dancers the opportunity to perform, regardless of experience or skill level.

Faced with limited options during the pandemic in 2020-21, DanceWest students and staff produced two full-length virtual shows – “JOURNEY” and “SPARK” – as a way to continue sharing their dance performances.

Returning to 5678 Showtime competition this past year, DanceWest was exceptional, winning nine first place awards for Dancer of the Year; Duo/Trio of the Year; Contemporary Solo; Lyrical, Contemporary and Jazz Duos; Improv Solo; Hip Hop Trio; and Variety Duo. Other West Anchorage dancers were runner-up in Dancer of the Year, Improv Solo, Lyrical Solo, Jazz Solo and Variety Solo; and recorded third-place finishes in Contemporary Solo, Jazz Solo and Hip Hop Solo.

The West Anchorage drama program is the second oldest continuously performing theater company in the state and has been registered with the International Thespian Society since 1958. Now headed by David Block and Brian Lyke, drama students perform a season of anywhere from four to six productions each year, and in 2022, became the first high school company in Alaska to perform a fully-realized musical coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Major headlines were made in 2007 when WAHS became the first school in the state to attend the American High School Theater Festival at the Edinburgh (Scotland) Festival Fringe (having since returned three more times) and also received a Legislative Citation for Excellence from the State of Alaska.

The company was commissioned by the Municipality of Anchorage and ASD to create a district-wide production celebrating the Anchorage Centennial in 2015, and has seen multiple alums make it to Broadway and in the television and film industry as actors and technicians.

Gabrielle Whitfield conducts an orchestra of 110 WAHS students, the largest public high school orchestra program in the state. The West High Orchestra (WHO) has earned a superior rating at every ASD Large Group Region Festival since 2005. Many individuals have received first chair honors and concertmaster medallions at the yearly Alaska All-State Orchestra Festival, as well as superior ratings at city-level and ASAA-sponsored solo and ensemble events. Most recently, three WHO members received command performance recognition in both the solo and chamber music categories at the ASAA Solo & Ensemble Festival.

Several former orchestra members have continued their education and launched careers in solo, chamber, and orchestral music performance, as well as music education and stringed instrument repair.

Visual arts, which comprises a variety of disciplines including photography, pottery, printmaking and others, is overseen by Megan Henry, Dawn Spyker and Rachel Wall. This past year, West Anchorage students took first and second place in printmaking at the ASAA All-State Art Competition, while another placed third in ceramics. At the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards (SAWA) state competition, WAHS returned home with four Gold Key and 12 Silver Key honors, while one student also became a 2022 SAWA National Gold Medalist and American Visions Medalist for photography. The school had an excellent showing at the 2022 Sealife Center Tsunami Sciences Bowl as well, where 15 of its 19 total participants either placed or received honorable mentions.

West Anchorage also produced ASD’s Exemplary Artist for 2019-20, with that student then being nominated to create a portrait of the Most Outstanding Fine Arts Senior from that year.

In addition to its awards-related success, the visual arts department has also been involved with several school and community initiatives. The Photography Club took photos of West Anchorage seniors who did not have the means to find their own photographers, while 12 students created portraits to honor healthcare workers through “Portraits of Those Who Serve.” The International Baccalaureate class created chairs to donate to an ASD kindergarten classroom and each pottery student donates two bowls to the Beans Café Empty Bowls Fundraiser in Anchorage.

In DDF, an ASAA-sanctioned provision that requires a mix of students’ research, critical thinking, acting, and oral communication skills, Michaela Kolerok leads a West Anchorage program that won ASAA Division I Debate Sweepstakes and Overall Sweepstakes championships in 2020, to go with a second Overall Sweepstakes title in 2021 and a runner-up finish in 2022. The team also claimed the Division I Academics Award – given to the team with the highest average GPA – in 2020 and 2022 with marks of 3.92 and 3.89, respectively. One member of the 2021 team, a state champion in the Poetry Out Loud event, went on to represent the state of Alaska at the national-level competition.

While the accolades, achievements and notable performances are an unmistakable indicator of West Anchorage’s robust performing arts track record, they shine an even brighter light on the greater purpose of education-based activities – the dedication, diligence, teamwork and other valuable traits students develop throughout the process.

"Participation in the arts is important because it teaches students to care,” said Whitfield. “These young artists spend years honing the details of their chosen craft while simultaneously learning to contribute to the ensemble as a whole. They learn that no single person is above the overall needs of an entire group. No matter what life-path these students eventually choose, they're going to make a big difference in the world. This is greatly due to the self-discipline and passion they learned through participation in the arts at West High School."

The six past recipients of the NFHS Performing Arts School of Excellence award include:

            2021 – Salem Hills High School, Salem, Utah

            2020 – Cleveland High School, Portland, Oregon

            2019 – Oak Grove High School, Hattiesburg, Mississippi

            2018 – Washburn Rural High School, Topeka, Kansas

            2017 – Friendswood High School, Friendswood, Texas

            2016 – Denver School of the Arts, Denver, Colorado

Alaska Speech & Debate Coordinator

First major contract awarded by the Alaska School Activities Association

I am pleased to announce that I have been awarded my first major contract. The Alaska School Activities Association (ASAA) has partnered with me on a long-term contract to serve as the organization’s Drama, Debate, & Forensics (DDF) Coordinator.

This newly created position allows me to promote my love of speech & debate, while simultaneously supporting two other passions: education and Alaska.

In this new capacity, I will administer the ASAA/First National Bank Alaska Drama, Debate, & Forensics State Championship, promote the activity in the community, help develop new DDF programs throughout the state, recruit & train volunteer judges for competitions, provide professional development for educators, and serve as a resource for new and experienced coaches and programs.

Speech & Debate Teams Rock

Honorable Associate Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson says it best…

Congratulations on a well-deserved appointment to the Supreme Court of the United States! She was absolutely brilliant during the confirmation proceedings.

Intellectual Combat?

Early in my career, I was hyper focused on competitive speech & debate, seeing it as a path towards self-reflection, growth, community building, and progress (for society).

I also began considering ways to expand my reach, with a desire to help more than just the students in my immediate classroom. One of the ways I did that was to express my thoughts in writing. At the time, a good friend of mine, Marshall McMullen, had planted the seed that I should publish a textbook on policy debate. I was hesitant to take on such a daunting project, though. That project would continue to sit on my mental shelf for a few more years.

At first, I wrote a few articles for the National Speech & Debate Association’s (then the National Forensic League) journal, Rostrum. Those articles addressed many of the benefits of extracurricular and co-curricular programs that helped students develop their skills through speech, debate, and interpretation of literature. Once the writing bug had taken hold of me, I decided I would attempt to expand the reach of the entire Speech & Debate community by submitting articles to peer reviewed journals geared towards administrators and policymakers in education.

Shortly, my first peer reviewed article was published in Education Next during the winter of 2008-2009. It was a short piece that simply highlighted the merits of an activity that I loved deeply. It was also published alongside the journal’s review of the Denzel Washington film, The Great Debaters.

I still find the title of the article, “Intellectual Combat: My Journey in Competitive Forensics,” a little misleading. Too many people think of academic debate as “combat” with winners and losers. Interestingly, my experience has been more nuanced. In reality, the participants — competitors, judges, & coaches — are co-collaborators in the learning process. They explore ideas together, and everyone grows because of it.

Eventually, my time coaching speech & debate paved the way for me to work more broadly in education. That experience was also transformative in that it highlighted the ways I can work with people who aren’t necessarily interested in competitive speech & debate but would still like to gain the benefits of exploring communication.

The Importance of Speech

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights…” The founders of the United States expressed those words when declaring independence from Great Britain. Whether those natural rights are endowed by our Creator or by the human ability to reason, philosophers are in agreement that there are certain rights that are inherent to the human condition. Throughout history, the freedom of speech has regularly been regarded as a natural right by the likes of Plato, Aristotle, John Locke, and John Stuart Mill.

In fact, the representatives to the Constitutional Convention felt so strongly about our freedom of speech, that they enshrined its protection in the very First Amendment to the Constitution. It wasn’t enough for them to speak generally of it as speech, either. Rather, they codified its protection in multiple forms: religion (a specific aspect of speech), speech (of the individual), of the press (to investigate and indict government), the collective (to assemble with likeminded individuals), and to express grievances directly to the government (through petition). They even protected our right to not speak in the Fifth Amendment.

Following World War II, the United Nations drafted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Of the 25 articles which identify the rights that are universally protected, one fifth of them directly relate to speech: thought, conscience, and religion (Article 18); opinion and expression, including through media (Article 19); assembly and association (Article 20); education (Article 26), and cultural life and the arts (Article 27).

Clearly, the great philosophers held speech to be one of our natural rights, and free and fair governments sought to protect that right legally. Why? It is through speech and the corresponding exchange of ideas that we grow as individuals, so that we may become the best version of ourselves. Aristotle explained in Nicomachean Ethics that it is through reasoned debate and discourse that we collectively improve and choose the best course of action. John Stuart Mill explained in On Liberty that it is through free speech and the marketplace of ideas that we disprove falsehoods, become more committed to the truth, and refine our knowledge so that we gain a better understanding of reality. It is also through free speech that we gain the ability to access and defend other rights for ourselves and others.

Given the importance and power of speech, we should all strive to become better speakers. Of course, “with great power comes great responsibility.” It is important that we use our speech in productive, helpful, and ethical ways. Understanding how speech shapes our understanding, also gives us the ability to recognize when nefarious actors use their speech in destructive or manipulative ways. Gaining insight into effective speech enhances our ability to shape the world in positive ways.

More Books in Children’s Hands Launches

This past Sunday, my Mother-in-Law would have celebrated her 70th birthday. Sadly, she passed away unexpectedly this past December. In celebration of her, our family thought about the things she cared most about: children & books, among them. In fact, she spent much of her career teaching in elementary schools.

On her birthday, we formally launched More Books in Children’s Hands, a nonprofit organization created to increase access to age-appropriate books to children in daycares, preschools, and kindergarten classrooms throughout the Colorado Springs area.

My Speech Resource Launches

This week, I am excited to announce the launch of My Speech Resource, LLC!

To be honest, I never really considered moving in this direction. About 15 years ago, my brother-in-law launched his own venture (Running Coach Carl) coaching runners of all abilities after coaching the Emory University cross country and distance track teams. My father-in-law asked if I had ever considered doing something similar with public speaking and competitive debate. A couple months ago, my pastor at Central United Methodist Church in Phoenix asked the same question. In both cases, I shrugged it off with chuckle.

I guess a seed was planted, however.

This week, I formally launch a private consulting venture aimed to help individuals grow in their public speaking efforts. I bring together over 30 years of involvement with competitive speech & debate, many years in public education — in high schools and colleges, 5 years working in an education-focused nonprofit, time in the U.S. Air Force, and numerous speaking engagements. All of these adventures give me unique insight into how to be an effective speaker.

I plan to offer 4 types of consulting services:
1) Asynchronous courses that you can take at your own pace.
2) Individualized coaching over videoconferencing software or face-to-face sessions.
3) Group classes over videoconferencing software or face-to-face sessions.
4) Workshops, seminars, or speaking engagements for your group, business, club, or team.

Initially, I plan to focus on public speaking, but this will likely grow into other areas of communication, as well.

I look forward to working with you!