Rebuttal

  • Date 2022-07-21

General Definition: The second speech in a debate round, used to refute an opponent’s arguments and rebuild one’s own. Responses to an opponent’s arguments are also referred to as “rebuttal” regardless of the speech where they appear.

  • Public Forum: In PF, rebuttal speeches are four minutes long and should address all arguments presented by the opponents. No new constructive material should be presented in a rebuttal speech.
  • World Schools Debate: In WSD, rebuttal speeches are 8 minutes long and will refute arguments, rebuild case, and offer a new third “Substantive“.
  • British Parliamentary: In BP, rebuttal is done by all speakers except the PM (and only minimally in the MG and MO extensions), and includes refutation and reconstruction.
  • Canadian National Debate Format: In CNDF, rebuttal speeches are 6 minutes in beginner level and 8 minutes in open level. Rebuttal speakers will most commonly refute, rebuild, and provide a third contention.