International Public Debate Association Textbook

The International Public Debate Association was formally established in 1997 and has grown dramatically ever since. The association is comprised of competitors at all types of schools from community colleges to public and private universities across the country. The International Public Debate Association features both individual (IPDA) and team (TIPDA) debate formats. IPDA strives to have accessible formats with its content, style and tournament access.

This textbook is an introductory guide to the International Public Debate Association and its formats. IPDA prioritizes and fosters skills in persuasion and public speaking that benefit students beyond a debate round and after graduation. By using lay, untrained judges, IPDA teaches students to be able to persuade nearly anyone. Additionally, IPDA resolutions can address a broad range of topics such as foreign and domestic politics, sports, philosophy, and popular culture. Persuasion, after all, does not begin or end with exclusively policies. This edition incorporates updated examples and information, including a new chapter on Team IPDA (TIPDA)

This textbook also introduces student to prominent theories of persuasion, such as Aristotle’s rhetorical proofs and the Elaboration Likelihood Model and features practical application of theories. Student are also introduced to argumentation theories and practices including case building, refutation, and more. The theories, practices, and applications featured in this textbook are used to cultivate students’ critical thinking skills as they sharpen their skills in persuasion and argumentation.