Speech & Debate

1. Lincoln Douglas (values) Debate Lesson 11 Speech & Debate

2. Typical Format Affirmative consists of one person.  Negative consists of one person. Typically, the affirmative sits on the left of the podium facing toward the judge, whereas the negative sits on the right side of the podium facing the judge. The Lincoln Douglas debate round typically lasts 45 minutes, or 3/4 of an hour. The Lincoln Douglas debate round structure allows for two constructive arguments and 3 rebuttal arguments.  As usual, no new arguments can be presented after the constructive speeches are complete.

3. Typical Format Each debater is allowed 3 minutes of preparation time per round. 1AC: First Affirmative Constructive 6 minutes Neg cross-examines Aff 3 minutes 1NC: First Negative Constructive 7 minutes Aff cross-examines Neg 3 minutes End of constructive arguments/ no new arguments may be presented. 1AR: First Affirmative Rebuttal 4 minutes NR: Negative Rebuttal 6 minutes 2AR: Second Affirmative Rebuttal 3 minutes

4. Cross Examination 1. Ask for a copy of the case 2. Ask questions of clarification about the case 3. Yes and no questions  Being cross examined 1. Be polite 2. Answer the questions 3. Think through what you are saying so you don't say something that can hurt your arguments 4. Always try to further your own arguments through your answers 5. Don't let them lead you into a trap 6. Take up the questioners time with your answers. Don't be succinct. 7. Try to answer with questions (hehehe)

5. Cross Examination Watch through the other person's speech and be writing down questions you have (don't just try to wing it up in front). Ask pointed questions (rather than pointless questions) Don't let the person answering take over the cross examination (BE IN CHARGE) Ask yes and no questions (rather than open ended ones that let them ramble)

6. Cross Examination Have your questions going somewhere (talk them through a series of questions which leads to a certain conclusion which benefits your position) CX is supposed to WEAKEN their position, so use the time to question areas which you think are weak in their case. No evidence? hit that hard! (Ask them to see the evidence to make them look worse) 

7. Tournament Resources Blue Book is for Team Policy debaters and includes historical summaries specific to a given resolution as well as example cases specific to the resolution along with evidence.  The evidence pieces listed within the Blue Book is often overused by novices, but at least good general ideas can be gleaned from this resource. Red Book is for Lincoln-Douglas debaters and typically includes historical summaries specific to a given resolution as well as example cases specific to the resolution along with evidence.  The evidence pieces listed within the Blue Book is often overused by novices, but at least good general ideas can be gleaned from this resource.

8. Tournament Resources Strategic Debate by Vance Trefelon is also a great book you can order through Monument Publishing.  The title changes sometimes, but the info is the same with minor improvements, etc. This is a wonderful overview of debate. Monument also has several resources available for Extemporaneous, Apologetics, Platform, and Interp speakers. Argumentation & Debate by Christy Shipe is a great book The Great Debate by Jonathon Wolfson www.hslda.org

9. Tournament Events If you are planning to debate policy, you'll do well to collect evidence on a daily basis for affirming the resolution and for negating change, or remaining with the status quo. As a Lincoln-Douglas debater, you'll do well to review historical examples in history that are lesser-known, become familiar with famous quotes, ideologies, and solid examples that support your affirmative value and undergird your criteria if you choose to have a criteria.  Great philosophers, statesmen, and other historical greats should be studied and known well.

10. Supplies Debate boxes are about $10.00 at major discount retail outlets. Manilla folders will also be invaluable as you brief and categorize your evidence and file your various cases. Post-It notes and tabs will help you with your tracking. Several copies of each case is vital, as at tournament your opponent(s) will ask for a copy of your case.  It is returned at the end of a round. Highlighters and good pens are essential. Legal pads on which to flow the arguments are critical.  The flow sheets that are preprinted are not necessary.

11. Presidential Debate

12. State Topic, then identify your 3 main points State Point 1 Explain Point 1 Transition from Point 1 to Point 2 State Point 2 Explain Point 2 Transition from Point 2 to Point 3 State Point 3 Explain Point 3 Transition from Point 3 to Closing by reiterating what you have covered State Closing Resolved: Privacy is undervalued. Are you Affirmative or Negative? Don’t Forget Signposting