I am a high school debater who has been debating all through middle school. Mostly prep-ahead/extemp parli & some modified LD.

An attempt at refuting is better than no refuting

I can follow a faster speaking pace, but speaking clearly and thoughtfully are more important. Be comfortable - even if it means your speaking is slower

Don't worry too much about stuttering, etc. Getting your point across is more important

Impacts + weighing!

Be calm and try your best! Debate can be equal parts enjoyable and stressful, but remember it is another learning opportunity regardless of the outcome.

East Coast HS debater

Nothing too crazy here - don't be offensive or violate debate ethics (no transphobic, sexist, racist, etc. arguments). Explain quality of impacts vs. quantity. I will vote a contention with the greatest magnitude of impact vs. 25 baseless claims. Be sure to signpost and speak clearly. If you speed too aggressively I will not be able to catch everything on the flow and the opponents will have a harder time understanding as well. Generally quality of debate will decrease too. I am fine with theory as long as your arguments make sense and are concise.