Jul 1, 2022
Audrey (Cook) Sowers
Audrey (Cook) Sowers became involved with Stoa in 2013. She says, “At that time in my life, I was wrestling with deep social anxiety and...
Jun 1, 2022
"Listening for Surprises" by Katherine Kwong
My “impromptu moments” are experiences where the stakes are high, preparation is limited, and I am simultaneously excited and anxious....
Jun 1, 2022
Speech in Summer
Do speech competitors take a break over the summer? Of course, but there are plenty of ways to keep your skills sharp in the off-season....
May 1, 2022
"Finding the Balance" by Isabelle Clausen
Ever since high school, I have made it my mission to search for “balance.” I constantly seek that perfect place between work and rest or...
May 1, 2022
Speech Strategies for NITOC
You have earned your check marks and are on your way to NITOC! Now it's time to check off this list of tips to ensure the best outcome...
May 1, 2022
Maximizing NITOC Success
Use these tips to maximize your NITOC success: Avoid Being Adjudicated: These simple steps will help you stay above reproach. Know the...
May 1, 2022
NITOC Preparation
While perfecting speeches and writing briefs is important, remember that other areas need attention too. Physical preparation: Adjust...
May 1, 2022
Alyssa Sloneker
This month, we are thrilled to introduce and welcome the newest member of the Stoa Alumni Committee, Alyssa Sloneker! She is pursuing a...
Apr 1, 2022
"Failing Forward" by Taryn Enos
My whole life, I have often been called a perfectionist. While this trait served me well on the dance stage, I found that holding onto...
Apr 1, 2022
"Good Art by Bad People" by Katherine Baker
Amidst the backdrop of social media and greater exposure to issues of racism and sexism, “Cancel Culture” feels like a new phenomenon of...
Apr 1, 2022
Nathaniel Arroyave
Speaking for Point Loma Nazarene University, Stoa alumnus Nathaniel Arroyave recently won the IPDA Pi Kappa Delta National Championship!...
Apr 1, 2022
Adam Wilkins
This month, we are privileged to celebrate two fantastic Stoa alumni who compete in the International Public Debate Association....
Apr 1, 2022
A Word About Content
The Stoa Board of Directors has been made aware of several incidents across the country when a speech, a debate case, a debate argument,...
Apr 1, 2022
New Tournament Standards
Beginning June 1, 2022, families must be registered as current Stoa members to participate in any Stoa tournaments. Tournament Directors,...
Mar 1, 2022
Improving Interpretive Events
Congratulations! You have written and memorized an excellent speech. You may have even garnered a couple of checkmarks. Now it is time to...
Mar 1, 2022
"A Case for Countering Campus Pornography" by Veronica Maska
Within two months of starting college, I took on the role of policy director for a student-run campaign to block access to the top 20...
Mar 1, 2022
Mike Winther Award
In November 2021, Mike Winther, one of the great leaders of the Stoa community, was transferred from the Church Militant to the Church...
Mar 1, 2022
Debate Rules, Norms, and Theory
As we are in the midst of the competition season, it is helpful to remember the difference between Rules, Norms, and Theory. Rules state...
Mar 1, 2022
Katherine Kwong
Meet Katherine Kwong, who competed in Stoa from 2009 to 2013. She received her BA in English from Westmont College in 2017 and was later...
Feb 1, 2022
"Bursting Bubbles" by Peter Dykstra
“Do You Live in a Political Bubble?” The New York Times released an interactive tool last month to help you find out! Reporting on a...