How Posnack Debaters Prepare to Win

On Nov. 13, 2025, a group of Posnack students stepped off a bus at Fort Lauderdale High. Dressed in professional attire, the high schoolers eagerly awaited what they had prepared so long for: to debate. They hurried to their rooms, ready to deliver their speeches, state their cases, and bring home victory for Posnack.

But debate isn’t just about fancy clothes, long speeches, and medals. It’s also about the research, collaboration, and intense practice that lead up to the competition. Debate teacher Ms. Ayala, Debate Club co-president Nathan Cohen, and debate student Danielle Cohen each brought their own perspective on that preparation.

As any debater will tell you, medals are won not during the competition, but long before it. Fisher High School debate teacher Ms. Ayala knows this all too well. “We’ve been preparing for five weeks,” she noted, anticipating November’s tournament. She used this time primarily to “expand students’ knowledge of speech and debate,” teaching essential concepts such as Robert’s Rules of Order and the three modes of persuasion. She also heavily emphasized research, stressing the importance of  “making sure that students are researching, reading, and writing” about their chosen topic long before the tournament. This research is incorporated into speeches, used to support arguments, and prepares students to answer questions from opponents. 

Ayala’s students, including freshman Danielle, also emphasized the importance of preparation. When interviewed, Danielle said a key part of constructing her debate is intensive research. “I start off by taking my topic of debate and dividing it into pros and cons by basic knowledge,” she said. Then, she dives deeper by researching relevant information. Since her debate focused on establishing a U.S military base in Egypt, Danielle found it especially important to research the history of the U.S.-Egypt military relationship. 

“I used resources such as government websites, like the US Department of Defense and the Congressional Budget Office,” she said. This research not only helped her build foundational knowledge of the topic but also helped her craft well-supported and convincing arguments.

While the research process is essential, it can be difficult, especially for beginners without extensive support. That’s why co-presidents Nathan and Gabriella Garson founded the Debate Club. 

“The Club serves as a way for new debaters to come together to be informed on all things debate: how to debate, what to say, how to say it, when to say it,” Nathan said. The duo wants the club to be a useful tool for students who are passionate about debate but may not have the time or opportunity to take a debate class. The club hosts events, including mock debates and informational meetings, that give Fisher High School students valuable experience. 

It’s about “having the novice debaters, the first timers, get their feet in the water, let them know what it’s about,” Nathan said. 

For many novice debaters, two things are needed: experience and confidence. While the club provides experience, Ayala aims to build her students’ confidence. 

“I really try to make sure that students know that their self-confidence is the most important thing that we’re evaluating when we go compete,” she said. She works to build that confidence by playing to students’ strengths and entering them into debate formats best suited for them. This helps students grow more comfortable in the world of debate and gives them valuable experience to look back on in the future.

In the end, when asked what she was most excited for at the tournament, Ayala answered, “I’m looking forward to seeing everyone grow.”

The results of that confidence and preparation came in shortly after the tournament: teams Nathan C. and Gabriela G., as well as Noa P. and Katy K., took home wins in Public Forum, while Wilder B. won in Lincoln Douglas. Noah M. earned third place overall in Extemporaneous Speaking. 

Congratulations to them, as well as everyone else on the Fisher High School Debate Team. See you all at our next tournament on Dec. 9!