( I have made the constructive speeches one minute shorter). If you are giving/writing the speech take into account that you lose points if you are 1 minute above or 1 minute below your time.
Lincoln-Douglas Debate Format
Both sides are given a “resolution” that states the debate topic.
- One side is called the “affirmative” (pro) side – they agree with the statement
- The other side is called the “negative” (con) side – they disagree with the statement
For example:
Resolution: The Danish newspapers made the right decision in publishing controversial images of the prophet Mohamed.
The affirmative (pro) side agrees with this statement and attempts to persuade the judges that they are right using evidence and reason.
The negative (con) side disagrees and attempts to persuade the judges that the other side is wrong, using evidence and reason.
Sequence of Events During the Debate:
1. Affirmative Constructive Opening Speech (5 m.)
· 1 member of the affirmative team gives a prepared persuasive speech
· Constructive speeches include:
o Definition of key terms
o Arguments based on reason, ethics, and emotions that are supported by evidence and/or details
o Statement of values (e.g. Freedom of Speech)
2. Negative Team’s Cross-Examination (3 m.) - 3 rounds of 3 minutes for a total of 9 minutes. Three different people from cross-examination team and 1-3 people from the opening speech group defending. (like we did for the last debate)
· One member of the negative team will join the person who gave the constructive speech at the front. The negative team member will ask the positive team member questions. The questions are typically of two types:
o Clarifying Questions: The negative team member will ask the other to clarify terms, ideas, evidence etc…
o Rhetorical Questions: These are questions were the negative person knows the answers (or does not care what they are). The purpose is to point out weaknesses in the opponent’s argument.
3. Negative Constructive Speech (5 m.)
· 1 member of the affirmative team gives a prepared persuasive speech arguing that the affirmative team is wrong
o Negative constructive speeches include the same things as positive speeches (see bullet points for Positive constructive speech).
4. Positive Team’s Cross Examination (3 m.)
· See Negative Team’s Cross Examination for details, they are the same)
5. Prep Time – Each Team has 3 minutes to prep for the next round of debate, called the “rebuttal round.” All team members are included in the prep. Having well prepared and organized notes is essential here!
6. First Affirmative Rebuttal (4 m.)
· Rebuttals are used to attack their opponent’s constructive speeches and to defend their own position.
· According to “Wikipedia”, A rebuttal argument typically consists of three steps: signpost (indicating which argument the debater is refuting), explain (attacking flaws in the opponent's evidence or logic), and weigh (evaluating the arguments based on the standards).
7. Prep Time - Same as above
8. Negative Rebuttal – Same as above, but 6 m.
9. Affirmative Rebuttal – Same as above, but 3 m.
