Debate Format and Debate Format and InstructionsInstructions

Debate Formats and Debate Formats and Speaker ResponsibilitiesSpeaker Responsibilities

Two kinds of academic debate:Two kinds of academic debate:– Policy DebatePolicy Debate– Value DebateValue Debate

We will be doing debating policy in this We will be doing debating policy in this class.class.

Debate FormatsDebate Formats

Standard Debate FormatStandard Debate FormatCross-Examination Debate FormatCross-Examination Debate FormatLincoln-Douglas Debate FormatLincoln-Douglas Debate Format

Standard Debate FormatStandard Debate Format

Two types of speechesTwo types of speeches– Constructive speeches (8 min. each)Constructive speeches (8 min. each)– Rebuttal speeches (4 min. each)Rebuttal speeches (4 min. each)

Constructive SpeechesConstructive Speeches

The time is used to:The time is used to:– Build your caseBuild your case– Present your argumentsPresent your arguments– Present your major pointsPresent your major points

Rebuttal SpeechesRebuttal Speeches

The time is used to:The time is used to:– Refute the opponent’s argumentsRefute the opponent’s arguments– Extended your own major argumentsExtended your own major arguments

Standard Debate FormatStandard Debate Format

Order of Speeches:Order of Speeches:First Affirmative ConstructiveFirst Affirmative Constructive 8 min.8 min.First Negative ConstructiveFirst Negative Constructive 8 min.8 min.Second Affirmative ConstructiveSecond Affirmative Constructive 8 min.8 min.Second Negative ConstructiveSecond Negative Constructive 8 min.8 min.First Negative RebuttalFirst Negative Rebuttal 4 min.4 min.First Affirmative RebuttalFirst Affirmative Rebuttal 4 min.4 min.Second Negative RebuttalSecond Negative Rebuttal 4 min.4 min.Second Affirmative RebuttalSecond Affirmative Rebuttal 4 min.4 min.

Preparation TimePreparation Time

Debate is extemporaneous.Debate is extemporaneous.Only the first affirmative constructive Only the first affirmative constructive speech can be written out before the speech can be written out before the debate begins.debate begins.The time between speeches used for The time between speeches used for preparation is called preparation time preparation is called preparation time (prep time).(prep time).

Preparation TimePreparation Time

It is used for:It is used for:– Writing down final notesWriting down final notes– Gathering your materialsGathering your materials– Checking with your teammateChecking with your teammate– Getting to the podium to speakGetting to the podium to speak

Three types of prep time rulesThree types of prep time rules

One or Two-Minute RuleOne or Two-Minute Rule

Each speaker is allowed either one or two Each speaker is allowed either one or two minutes to prepare each speechminutes to prepare each speechIf the speaker takes longer than the one or If the speaker takes longer than the one or two minutes, the additional time is two minutes, the additional time is subtracted from the speaking time.subtracted from the speaking time.Starts from when the previous speaker sits Starts from when the previous speaker sits down.down.

Eight-Minute RuleEight-Minute Rule

The most commonly used in debate The most commonly used in debate rounds.rounds.Each time has a total of 8 minutes.Each time has a total of 8 minutes.The timekeeper keeps track of the total The timekeeper keeps track of the total minutes left for prep time.minutes left for prep time.If the eight-minutes have been used up, If the eight-minutes have been used up, any prep time is subtracted from the any prep time is subtracted from the speaking time.speaking time.

Speaker Strategies and Speaker Strategies and ResponsibilitiesResponsibilities

There are certain responsibilities particular There are certain responsibilities particular to each speech in a debate.to each speech in a debate.

First Affirmative ConstructiveFirst Affirmative Constructive

Usually includes everything (i.e. case and Usually includes everything (i.e. case and plan).plan).Presents the framework for the rest of the Presents the framework for the rest of the debate.debate.A good first affirmative constructive helps A good first affirmative constructive helps the whole debate to be better and more the whole debate to be better and more interesting.interesting.

Content of the 1ACContent of the 1AC

Be sure to:Be sure to:– Start with a brief introduction that summarizes Start with a brief introduction that summarizes

the affirmatives approach.the affirmatives approach.– State the proposition.State the proposition.– Define the key terms.Define the key terms.– Present the justification for change.Present the justification for change.– Present the plan.Present the plan.– Present the advantages.Present the advantages.– Briefly summarize the case.Briefly summarize the case.

Outline of a 1ACOutline of a 1AC

IntroductionIntroductionStatement of the resolutionStatement of the resolutionDefinition of termsDefinition of termsInherencyInherencySignificanceSignificancePlanPlanSolvencySolvencySummarySummary

First Negative ConstructiveFirst Negative Constructive

Decide the negative’s philosophyDecide the negative’s philosophyChoices:Choices:– Attack the definition of TermsAttack the definition of Terms– Attack the interpretation (Topicality)Attack the interpretation (Topicality)– Defend the status quoDefend the status quo– Attack the significanceAttack the significance

Outline of 1NCOutline of 1NC

Statement of the negative’s philosophyStatement of the negative’s philosophyDefinition of negative’s termsDefinition of negative’s termsYour attacksYour attacksRestate the negative’s philosophyRestate the negative’s philosophy

Second Affirmative ConstructiveSecond Affirmative Constructive

Purpose is to:Purpose is to:– Reestablish what is the affirmative’s positionReestablish what is the affirmative’s position– Refute the arguments of the 1NCRefute the arguments of the 1NC– Extend affirmative’s arguments by presenting Extend affirmative’s arguments by presenting

any remaining constructive materials.any remaining constructive materials.

2AC Strategies2AC Strategies

Emphasize that the affirmative has met the Emphasize that the affirmative has met the burden of proofburden of proofRemain on the offensive by attacking the Remain on the offensive by attacking the negative’s philosophynegative’s philosophyNarrow the range of argumentsNarrow the range of argumentsAdd more arguments to weaker areasAdd more arguments to weaker areas

Second Negative ConstructiveSecond Negative Constructive

Traditionally this is the speech that deals Traditionally this is the speech that deals with attacking the plan.with attacking the plan.But still okay to present a new argument But still okay to present a new argument against the affirmative’s case.against the affirmative’s case.

Attacking the PlanAttacking the Plan

You can attack the plan by:You can attack the plan by:– Attacking workabilityAttacking workability– Attacking solvencyAttacking solvency– Presenting DisadvantagesPresenting Disadvantages

The Negative BlockThe Negative Block

The second negative constructive and the The second negative constructive and the first negative rebuttal.first negative rebuttal.There is a total of 12 uninterrupted There is a total of 12 uninterrupted minutes for the negative to speak.minutes for the negative to speak.

RebuttalsRebuttals

The idea of the rebuttals is not to introduce The idea of the rebuttals is not to introduce new lines of arguments but to simply new lines of arguments but to simply strengthen arguments previously made. strengthen arguments previously made. This is true for all rebuttals except This is true for all rebuttals except probably the first affirmative rebuttal since probably the first affirmative rebuttal since this is the first time it can respond to any this is the first time it can respond to any arguments made in the 2NC.arguments made in the 2NC.

RebuttalsRebuttals

No new lines of argumentsNo new lines of argumentsStrengthen previous arguments.Strengthen previous arguments.Sometimes okay for 1NR to raise (new) Sometimes okay for 1NR to raise (new) arguments against the plan if 2NC was still arguments against the plan if 2NC was still arguing case.arguing case.Sometimes okay for 1AR to raise new Sometimes okay for 1AR to raise new arguments if the 2NC/1NR raised new arguments if the 2NC/1NR raised new arguments.arguments.

First Negative RebuttalFirst Negative Rebuttal

Work with the 2NC speaker to cooperate.Work with the 2NC speaker to cooperate.Don’t have the 2NC speaker leave nothing Don’t have the 2NC speaker leave nothing for the 1NR speaker to say.for the 1NR speaker to say.

The “Even-If” ArgumentThe “Even-If” Argument

A good strategy for the 1NR is to say that A good strategy for the 1NR is to say that even if there is a need to change, the plan even if there is a need to change, the plan is not the right plan.is not the right plan.– Doesn’t solve the problemDoesn’t solve the problem– Has serious disadvantagesHas serious disadvantages

First Affirmative RebuttalFirst Affirmative Rebuttal

One of the most difficultOne of the most difficult– Must respond in 4 minutes to 12 minutes of Must respond in 4 minutes to 12 minutes of

negative arguments.negative arguments.– Must answer all new arguments presented by Must answer all new arguments presented by

the 2NC speaker.the 2NC speaker.

Second Negative RebuttalSecond Negative Rebuttal

Clearly identify the voting issuesClearly identify the voting issues– The crucial areas where the affirmative has The crucial areas where the affirmative has

not met their burden of proof.not met their burden of proof.

Strengthen the negative’s position on the Strengthen the negative’s position on the voting issues.voting issues.Make sure you haven’t left out those Make sure you haven’t left out those issues pursued by your partner!issues pursued by your partner!

Second Affirmative RebuttalSecond Affirmative Rebuttal

Show that the affirmative has met the Show that the affirmative has met the burden of proof on all the burden of proof on all the stock issuesstock issues..Specifically address the voting issues Specifically address the voting issues raised by the negative.raised by the negative.Refocus on the stronger parts of your Refocus on the stronger parts of your case.case.

RulesRules

Debate is not a personal attack on your Debate is not a personal attack on your beliefs or individual position.beliefs or individual position.Heckling, Yelling and Personal remarks Heckling, Yelling and Personal remarks will not be tolerated and will result in your will not be tolerated and will result in your grade being lowered.grade being lowered.All arguments are based on FACT not just All arguments are based on FACT not just stuff that sounds good.stuff that sounds good.

Where to StartWhere to Start

Choose a team captainChoose a team captain– Maintain discipline and focus of the teamMaintain discipline and focus of the team– Delegate responsibilitiesDelegate responsibilities– CAPTAIN WILL NOT SPEAK AT THE DEBATECAPTAIN WILL NOT SPEAK AT THE DEBATE

Group membersGroup members– Supply all the information you compiled in your Supply all the information you compiled in your

researchresearch– Actively participate in the planning process and Actively participate in the planning process and

preparation of opening statementspreparation of opening statements

Objectives for TodayObjectives for TodayElect a team leader (remember this person will Elect a team leader (remember this person will not speak at the debate)not speak at the debate)Decide who will be the four speakers for your Decide who will be the four speakers for your groupgroupYou may want to have a recorder who can keep You may want to have a recorder who can keep track of your arguments and your researchtrack of your arguments and your researchBe ready tomorrow with your research to start Be ready tomorrow with your research to start writing your first constructive speeches (8 writing your first constructive speeches (8 minutes each) – I recommend having group minutes each) – I recommend having group members print their papers and hi-light the best members print their papers and hi-light the best pointspoints