Time Limits

  • Date 2022-07-25

General Definition: The amount of time a speaker has to deliver their speech or ask questions.

  • Public Forum: In PF, time limits for each speech are as follows: 1) Constructive Speeches: 4 minutes; 2) Rebuttal Speeches: 4 minutes; 3) Summary Speeches: 3 minutes; 4) Final Focus: 2 minutes; 5) Crossfire and Grand Crossfire: 3 minutes; 6) Prep Time: 4 minutes, although may vary by tournament
  • World Schools Debate: In WSD, time limits for each speech are as follows: 1) Constructive Speeches: 8 minutes; 2) Rebuttal Speeches: 8 minutes; 3) Summary Speeches: 8 minutes; 4) Reply Speeches: 4 minutes; 5) Grace Time: 15 seconds in each speech
  • British Parliamentary: In BP, all speakers have 5 minutes to complete their speeches with 15 seconds of Grace Time.
  • Canadian National Debate Format: In CNDF, time limits for each speech are as follows: BEGINNER: 1) Constructives: 6 minutes; 2) Rebuttals: 6 minutes; 3) Summaries: 4 minutes; OPEN: 1) Constructives: 8 minutes; 2) Rebuttals: 8 minutes; 3) Summaries: 4 minutes; 4) Grace Time: 15 seconds in each speech