Debate 101

1. Debate 101 The Basics

2. What is Debate? • Debate centers on the discussion of a RESOLUTION. • The Proposition side argues in support of the resolution - they argue for the proposed idea. • The Opposition side argues against the resolution - they argue for anything but the proposed idea.

3. 2 Teams discuss a certain topic. • Affirmative Team – For a certain action • Negative Team – Against the action

4. The “resolution” – what the two teams argue about. • The United States federal government should substantially increase social services for persons living in poverty

5. 2 speaker per team • 2 kinds of speeches • Constructive speeches- present evidence and argue your side of the point. • Rebuttal speeches- restate your points

6. 1st Affirmative Constructive- 8 minutes • 1st Negative Constructive- 8 minutes • 2nd Affirmative Constructive- 8 minutes • 2nd Negative Constructive – 8 minutes • 1st Negative Rebuttal – 5 minutes • 1st Affirmative Rebuttal – 5 minutes • 2nd Negative Rebuttal- 5 minutes • 2nd Affirmative Rebuttal- 5 minutes Speeches and Times

7. 1st Affirmative Constructive Speech Cross X Cross X 1st Negative Constructive Speech 2nd Affirmative Constructive Speech Cross X Cross X 2nd Negative Constructive Speech Order of Events(cross-X) Affirmative Rebuttal Negative Rebuttal

8. Introduction • Definition of Essential Terms (should be clear to the average person) • Fully Describe Model (If used) • Theme / Caseline • Outline all of the Proposition Arguments (Expand Arguments using (evidence / proof) • 7. Conclusion 1st Proposition Speech (AFF)

9. In the first proposition speech over eighty five percent of the speech should be reserved for the constructive matter. The first proposition usually develops two constructive points in their speech, giving each point equal time. For example in a six minute speech: • The first minute would be used for introduction and definitions • The next two minutes would be used for the first constructive argument • The next two minutes would be used for the second constructive argument • Last minute would be used for a short summary and conclusion 1st Proposition (cont)

10. 1. Introduction • 2. Respond to Definition of Essential Terms • Most teams will accept the terms as defined (no time, place, set) • Can challenge the terms if unreasonable - If this happens, judges decide which terms are more reasonable (still possible for Prop. to win) • Opposition theme / Caseline and split • Clash with 1st Proposition Arguments • Outline Own Arguments for opposing the resolution (Expand Arguments (evidence and proof) • 5. Fully describe Counter Model (If used) • 6. Conclusion 1st Opposition Speech

11. In the first opposition speech seventy five percent of the speech should be reserved for the constructive matter. The first proposition usually develops two constructive points in their speech, giving each point equal time. For example in a six minute speech: • The first minute & 30 seconds would be used for refutation and rebuilding • The next two minutes would be used for the first constructive argument • The next two minutes would be used for the second constructive argument • Last thirty seconds would be used for a short summary and conclusion 1st Opposition Speech (cont)

12. Clash is a central principle of debate. Without clash, there is no debate. • Debaters are obliged to clash directly and specifically to their opponents’ arguments. • Keep track of which arguments have been successfully clashed. ie. Arrows or checks • CLASH is the deciding factor of a debate. If a team fails to clash with major points, they should lose the debate. Clash

13. Introduction • Clash with 1st Opposition Arguments • Outline team’s case approach • Further Proposition Arguments • Conclusion 2nd Proposition Speech

14. The second proposition about thirty five - forty percent of the speech should be refutation and the rest reserved for construction. For example in a six minute speech: • The first thirty seconds would be used for the introduction • The next two minutes for refutation of the opposition and rebuilding • The next two minutes for construction of a single new argument • The final thirty seconds for the conclusion 2nd Proposition Speech (cont)

15. Introduction • Clash with Proposition Arguments • Outline team’s case approach • Further Opposition Arguments • Conclusion 2nd Opposition Speech

16. The second opposition speech has about fifty to sixty percent refutation and the rest is reserved for construction. It is good practice in a debate to only introduce a single argument in the second speech. For example in a six minute speech: • The first thirty seconds for an introduction • The next three minutes would be used for refutation • The next two minutes would be used for the last constructive point • The final thirty seconds to conclude the opposition side of the debate 2nd Opposition Speech (cont)

17. This form of questioning is meant to gain valuable admissions and identify weaknesses of the opponents’ case. • Questioner’s responsibilities: • Be polite • Be relevant to the topic • Do not browbeat, belittle, intimidate or speechify • Provide enough time for the question to be considered and answered. Cross-examination

18. Questioners cannot demand “yes / no” answers but, they can interrupt verbose or evasive answers. Witnesses must answer all relevant questions. Judges decide relevance. Again, grade debaters in the “Format” section on how well they ask and answer questions Cross-examination (Cont.)