Office Hours

New to coaching or looking for guidance?

Our experienced NSDA staff members are here to help! Sign up for a personalized 20-minute session to ask questions, explore strategies, or dive deeper into topics that matter to you. Whether you’re seeking advice, resources, or just a friendly chat to boost your confidence.

We’re here to support your coaching journey.

Deano Pape

Competition & Events Specialist

Sign up for office hours with me to discuss:

- How to navigate the world of speech and debate as a new coach
- Starting a new team or taking over an existing team
- Coaching a middle school program
- How to become an NSDA member and utilize NSDA resources
- Managing your NSDA roster and/or Tabroom.com roster
- Coaching speech events and Congressional Debate

Schedule Office Hours

Shuntā Jordan

Tournament Services Manager

Let’s chat about:

- What are Springboard scrimmages and how to register for them
- Hosting a tournament
- Setting up your tournament in Tabroom.com
- Speech and debate curriculum for the classroom
- How to train your new judges
- What is the Last-Chance Qualifier and how to participate
- Coaching debate events, especially Policy Debate

Schedule Office Hours

Kara Smith

Manager of Competition and Events

I’d love to talk to you about:

- What is the district tournament and how to participate
- Coaching a team that does multiple events
- Understanding competition event rules
- Connect with coaches in your area
- How to get administrative support for speech and debate

Schedule Office Hours

Lauren Burdt

Director of Competition and Events

Let’s dive into:

- How your team can attend the National Tournament
- Coaching debate events, especially Public Forum, Lincoln-Douglas, Big Questions, and World Schools
- Hosting a tournament
- Tabroom.com troubleshooting
- Professional development opportunities for coaches

Schedule Office Hours

Chris Palmer

Lead Tabroom Developer

I’m happy to go over:

- Coaching debate events and Extemporaneous Speaking
- How tournament results, pairings and schedules are made, and why
- Districts & Nationals: Getting there, and what it’s like
- Anything & everything about Tabroom.com

Schedule Office Hours