Having a background in competitive speech & debate I have a few thoughts about last night's #PresidentialDebate: A thread.

1) Interrupting the moderator is just a big NO NO. It shows you have no respect for the rules, the audience and that you're not taking the debate seriously.

2) Interrupting your opponent is okay in some heated instances, but ultimately makes you look like you're afraid of what you opponent is saying. It's much more effective to let them finish their sentence, take note of what they're saying, & when it's your turn go for the kill.

3) Never (and I mean never)
pass up the opportunity to go for the kill.

4) Always (and I mean always) address the question you were asked. Don't deflect or change the subject. Audiences (and judges) notice this immediately. It's disingenuous and it tells the audience you didn't come prepared.

5) Always come prepared. Have mock debates, anticipate what you will be asked, what jabs your opponent will take at you. Every question asked last night is one that both candidates should have anticipated. Both of their answers were underwhelming.

6) Jokes, quips, side notes, anecdotes etc. are for seasoned and charismatic debaters. If you don't know how to use them, you will get lost in the weeds and look like you're rambling. Stay on point.

7) Your opponent will try to get you flustered. Under no circumstances should you call your opponent names or tell them to shut up. Be the calm little center of the world.

8) If your opponent (or the moderator) repeats a lie about you, correct it immediately when it is your turn to speak. Do so in a factual and dignified way that doesn't make you appear as if you've taken it personally.

9) Finally, the loser of last night's debate was the American people. Start to finish it was a chaotic mess with a biased moderator who didn't fact check his own questions. Neither candidate seemed prepared, improved their image or made their case sufficiently.

Rant over.