Do people with experience in a speech or debate activity have an advantage over other students?
No, this is the first year of this competition, and all participants will start out on a equal footing. In fact, some people with specific debate experiences may find it hard to adapt their normal competitive style into the more public forum style of the event. Perry Mason questions, over-emoting, speed talking, and flippant jokes may not be the most persuasive approaches to all of the judges.
