Debate Guidelines

Debate Guidelines

DO

-Dress up for your debate. You gain credibility when you look the part.

-Affirmative should begin by strongly stating the resolution in this form: “RESOLVED: American students ought to attend college.”

-If you finish early, you may say “I yield my time”

-A visual aid is allowed WITHOUT photographs or images. You may have up to 3 powerpoint slides if you choose, but they are each limited to black and white text, and a total of 150 words per slide.  You will need to refer to them by number and have projection arranged prior to the start of the debate.

-You must ALWAYS cite your sources. If you use more than three words together as written by someone else, you must attribute the source. To fail to do so is plagiarism and will result in losing the debate.

-Speak clearly, loudly, and with confidence, these will each assist your argument.

-Maintain eye-contact and good posture.

-Use cross-examination to expose factual errors or unsupported assertions.

-Face the audience, your work is for their hearing.

DON’T

-Lie. Evidence used is subject to verification. Falsification or deliberate misuse of evidence may be grounds for disqualification.

-Attempt to use overly hostile or aggressive terminology.

-No audio or other media will be allowed in the debate.

-Do not engage in personal attacks through cross-examination.

ORDER OF SPEECHES

Introduction to the topic by neutral party (5 min)

Affirmative Opening Statement (7 min)

Negative Cross-Examination (3 min)

Negative Opening Statement (7 min)

Affirmative Cross-Examination (3 min)

Affirmative Rebuttal (2 min)

Negative Rebuttal (2 min)

Affirmative Closing Argument (2 min)

Negative Closing Argument (2 min)
questions from the judges and audience (10 min)

Debate Examples to Watch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gw8Uw7UDHHo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrSdGRTCW5A (this is in 6 parts, watch whichever sections you need clarification on)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ea0aQ2z6rnc