Like really prepared.
So going into my first tournament I wanted to be prepared. I watched every webinar, read every email and packet, asked all my questions to my friends. I was prepared for everything.
Ha!
I thought I knew everything I needed to know about speech, debate and the NCFCA going in, but guys, I was in for a rude awakening, so here are ten things I learned about tournaments at the tournament.
- LD has two flights
I know, I know, you experienced people are laughing at me, but novices take note. If you are in LD debate you will be in one of the two flights back to back, and if you're negative you must time the other round in the room your debate is in.
2. You will have down time
Even if you do five speeches and debate, down time is inevitable, so be prepared to socialize. Or hide in a corner with headphones if that's more your style.
3. The schedule after 10am is just a suggestion.
The tournament is going to run late, so don't be surprised when your two o'clock speech round kicks off at 3:30.
4. Breaks are a good thing
Break is a forensics term for advancing. Break announcements are when you hear who advances. Just clap once after you hear a name and you'll be fine. Just know, they're normally late too.
5. Most people are friendly
Coming from an introvert, I dislike talking to new people if I'm the one initiating conversation, but at tournaments people generally crave your conversation and want to talk to you. Your experienced friends aren't lying when they say some of their best friends they see twelve days out of the year and live three states away.
6. Pack lots of food
My first tournament my family didn't buy those handy meals that people hand you three times a day, but we did bring large crock pot meals. Bad idea. At least for me, if your family is full of teenage boys who need half a crock pot of soup to tide them over til dinner then so be it. Me, though? I prefer not packing meals, but packing lots of snacks for me to grab and go throughout the day, because I'm doing other things and forget or don't want to eat a big meal.
7. Bring flats
Ladies, your feet will thank you.
8. Go above the bare bones packing list.
You're going to need more than clothes and your speeches. I pack chapstick, hand lotion, mints/gum, a small sewing kit and a hair brush/comb for all times. I'll do a post on things to pack and not to pack soon.
9. Script Submission isn't as bad as everyone says.
Seriously, follow the rules and you'll pass with flying colors. I've yet to redo script submission.
10. People don't care about how well you do.
This is going to be a post in it of itself, but guys, people don't remember if you didn't advance at all or if you won nationals, so don't let a fierce competitor scare you, chances are they don't think they're as special as you do. I have friends who placed at nationals and didn't even bother to mention it because most people in this competition really don't care.
I could go on and on, y'all, so here's one last one as a bonus.
11. Don't go into your first tournament thinking you know what's going to happen.
Go with the flow, you're going to be thrust into utter insanity for the first time. Enjoy the ride.
~Ginger
