Debate The Essentials Ariail, Robert. “Let the Debates Begin.” 18 Aug orig. published in The State, South Carolina. 26 Sept

Debate Defined A regulated discussion of a resolution by two (matched) sides.  Formal or informal  Cross-Examination  Lincoln-Douglass Participants prepare and present speeches on opposite sides of the issue to determine who has the strongest argument.

Resolution/Proposition A statement that asserts a fact, makes a value judgment or recommends a policy. ◦ MUST deal with a controversial questioncontroversial question ◦ Argued by the affirmative side. ◦ Essentially, a call for change

Affirmative Side Suggests the debate resolution/proposition ◦ Presents the plan for change. Seeks the change offered in the resolution Always begins and ends the debate

Plan The affirmative side’s outline for change Four components: 1. What will be done? 2. How will it be enforced? 3. How will it be financed? 4. Overall benefit of change?

Negative Side Opposes the resolution/proposition Opposes change Seeks the status quo.status quo

Status Quo The existing state of affairs This is what the negative side argues:negative side ◦ To keep things they way they are now.

Cross Examination Brief period during which participants directly question their opponent. ◦ Each team member will participate in cross- examination during each debate.

Rebuttal Last speech for each team. Refutes and attacks the opposition’s arguments. Summarizes own points. While a constructive speech builds an argument, a rebuttal rebuilds the same argument after it’s been attacked.

Burden of Proof Affirmative responsibility to show need for change and to provide a method. Because the affirmative side seeks the change from the status quo, it has the obligation to present arguments for why the change is necessary.

Delivery Relies on: ◦ Use of voice ◦ Use of body Should be the three Cs: ◦ Credible ◦ Confident ◦ Competent