1. Lincoln Douglas Debate

2. History of Lincoln Douglas Debate
Gets its name from Abe Lincoln and Stephen Douglas
Stems from the 1858 Illinois senate race
Both agreed to a series of 7 debates on the issues of the day
Main issue addressed was slavery
Persuasion was the key in those debates and remains the same in today’s version
LD became an NFL event in 1980

3. Public Forum vs. Lincoln Douglas
4,4,3,4,4,3,2,2,3,1,1
2 Minutes prep time
Pro/Con
Crossfire: Both ask questions
Coin flip determines sides and speaking order
Evidence and logic
1 vs. 1
6,3,7,3,4,6,3
3 Minutes prep time
Affirmative/Negative
Cross Examination: One person asks questions
Aff speaks first; sides are predetermined
Values, morals, and logic

4. Speech Format
1AC (6 Minutes): The Affirmative case, canned speech, supports the resolution
1st CX (3 Minutes): Negative cross examines the Affirmative. Neg asks questions; Aff answers
1NC (7 Minutes): The Negative case, canned speech, negates the resolution, attack Aff case
2nd CX (3 Minutes): Affirmative cross examines the Negative. Aff asks questions; Neg answers
1AR (4 Minutes): Affirmative rebuttal, attack Neg case, rebuild own case
1NR (6 Minutes): Negative rebuttal, defend own case, attack Aff case, tell why you won
2AR (3 Minutes): Affirmative rebuttal, rebuild case, tell why you won

5. LD Topics LD debate is all about what “ought to be done”
LD topics are of fundamental interest to the lives of its audience
Topics usually deal with what is morally or ethically right.
Past Topics