The Atlanta Urban Debate League is committed to providing excellent debate education programs, services, and opportunities to diverse students, educators, and members of the community!
First Practices: Interview Icebreaker
Learning Objectives
Introduce squad members.
Get to know coach.
Build community.
Time Needed
~15 - 30 min. (varies by squad size)
Resources & Materials
Sheet of paper (1 per student)
Pencil/pen (1 per student)
Teacher Preparation
- Create a list of 5-8 “interview questions” for students to ask each other.
- Some questions (~2-3) should be standard introductory questions.
- Examples:
- What is your name? / What grade are you in?
- Why are you interested in debate? What are your goals for the semester/ season?
- Examples:
- Remaining questions (~3-5) should be fun and/ or humorous.
- Examples:
- Is a hot dog a sandwich?
- How would you sell a space heater in July?
- Examples:
- Some questions (~2-3) should be standard introductory questions.
Lesson Outline
- Introduce Activity
- To begin, write each question on the board. Very briefly, explain each question.
- Pair students into groups of two. If an odd number is present, use a single group of three.
- Interview Icebreaker
- Group Interview (Separate)
- Each student should ask their partner(s) the “interview questions,” and record the answers.
- Group Presentation (Full Squad)
- Once each group has completed its “interviews,” the members of each group will give a short speech introducing each other to the whole squad.
- Ask students to stand in the front of the room.
- If time, give basic public speaking tips after each group finishes.
- Example: “You spoke very confidently but need to work on eye contact.”
- Once each group has completed its “interviews,” the members of each group will give a short speech introducing each other to the whole squad.
- Group Interview (Separate)
- Finish Activity
- If time permits, ask for a volunteer who thinks they can name each member of the squad. If successful, give that student a suitable reward (e.g., candy).
Points of Improvement
Shy students will often speak very softly. Ask them to speak up/be confident!
Signs of Mastery
Students speak clearly and confidently.
Each student writes down the answers of their partner.
Students speak to the audience, not just the coach.
Instructor Notes
Tailor questions to age and skill level.
Younger students may need more humor to stay engaged.
Older students may be more interested in advanced topics (e.g., the topic, politics).
Students will often forget to write down the answers of their partner. Prompt them!