Thanks for the help

[Salamjohn]

Two days ago, I posted the following on this forum:

Ok guys, I'm a 15 year old boy living in northern Virginia. I was selected along with about 250 other high school students from from across the nation to a summer school on the campus of Georgetwon University. The summer schools i by the Junior Statesmen Association of America, and we study American government and we practice speech by participating in real debates. Like issues of fetal rights, Arctic Wildlife Refuge, "Under God" in teh pledge of alleigence. There are a ton of liberals, i mean alot of liberals. At least 80% Anyways, i have been assigned to defend the the US-led coalition's war on Iraq was a success not a failure. As a Bush supporter I beleive that it was, but the other side has some good arguments against it (Like where are the Weapons of mass destruction, and why are Iraqi people discontent with the US presence). If any of you guys can help me by giving me good arguments to support my case, then please do. I am researching stuff myself, but anything you guys can do is great. Thank you, John Francis Marion Clifton, VA Bethlehem Baptist Christian School

For those of you that responed, thank you. This is what happened. I went up to speak, my time limit was 4 to 6 minutes. As a fast speaker when im in front of people, I covered it all in 3 1/2 minutes. For the other half minute I awkwardly told people that we won and are doing good over and over in as many different ways as possible, because I was unprepared to deal with extra time. When it struck 4 minutes, I sat down. Then my opponent came up and presented liberal arguments and other stuff, many of which were rather good points. Then a subsequent speaker for my side came up. What he said was to this affect: "I think that the US was successful in Iraq, but because of the main speaker's [referring to me] poor argument I cannot vote for him. He did not hit 4 minutes, so you must discard his argument and I urge you all to obstain from voting." Everyone was appauled, and fortunately, harassed him for doing that to an unexperienced speaker. He took questions with his extra time, and a friend of mine said "You may be right, but are you aware that you are an asshole?" Hahaha. Good. You tell him. Anyways, other than that, it went well. In my closing speech i timed it perfectly and hit 3 minutes. Thanks to all you who helped me out with information and encouragement.

[Salamjohn]

um ok dont answer lol

[JeepInMazar]

Hey John, great job! I'm proud of you.

Sounds like the guy on "your side" was a liberal mole trying to upset the apple cart.

[Salamjohn]

Yea, he's pro-death (or to sound nice "pro-choice") so i was never on his side

[So Cal Rocket]

Good job John!

Public speaking is hard... not only do you have to worry about content, but pacing, inflection and timing are also important... these only come with practice.

Keep up the good work!

SCR

[AfghanJohn]

bump --- bang --- zing --- cool

[Salamjohn]

thanks man

[OREALLY]

Hi John, I am proud of you ! You are probably going to have to deal with a lot of liberal teacher's in your promising future...have you had any involvement with the young republican's org. ?
Please don't let those liberal college professors mess you up ! hahaha...

[Ruy Dias de Bivar]

I wish I'd had FR help for my big debate on the subject of "beatniks" back in 1960!

[Salamjohn]

Young republican's org???

[Salamjohn]

what is that?

[AfghanJohn]

1TIM 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

[McGavin999]

Good job John, we're all really proud of you. Next time you'll knock it out of the park! It's really hard to talk with everyone looking at you, but if you practice, the next time it'll be a lot easier.

[AfghanJohn]

ok

[OREALLY]

Yes...sure enough...There was a young man 12 years old on Bill O'Reilly the other night talking about it...
You can find it surfing the web, they have a sight...
Oh, the 12 year old was the youngest in his group >

[Unknown Freeper]

Congratulations, John.

For future events, you may want to think about Toastmasters. Some of their exercises help with effective use of one's time when making a presentation.

[Salamjohn]

thats cool!

[Salamjohn]

thats cool!

[OREALLY]

site not sight hehehe...

[JulieRNR21]

John, you did a great job in that debate!

I'm pinging a Freeper who is about your age & has written several essays expressing conservative opinions on various issues.

Perhaps she can give you some additional suggestions.