Matthew Allin

Ascend California & Florida - Congressional Debate Associate Instructor

Throughout his career in Congressional Debate, Matthew reached Finals in 4 consecutive National invitationals (Santa Clara, ASU, Stanford, and Berkeley) becoming an NSDA Member of Superior Distinction, before ultimately placing Top 6 at the 2018 NSDA Tournament with just two speeches in the final round!

After graduating, he was the head coach of the 2022 California Middle School Congress Champion, and 2023 Runner Up. At the high school level, he has been an assistant coach for 2 NSDA National Champions, alongside 7 other national finalists. Matthew has both competed, and coach students at the highest levels.

He credits his rapid success, both as a competitor and coach, to an emphasis on nonverbal aspects of communication, including tonality, cadence, framing, and body language, as the foundational pillars of charisma.

Having once been a shy and insecure child, he believes his ultimate purpose in this life is to help others of all ages make the same journey he did: turning one's voice from their biggest weakness, to their greatest strength.