General Definition: In general, anything that can be observed. In a debate, empirical analysis supports an argument by providing historical analysis of why the position is true. Public Forum: see general definition. World Schools Debate: see general definition. British Parliamentary: see general definition. Canadian National Debate Format: see general definition.

General Definition: Appeals to credibility; rhetoric designed to persuade an audience by enhancing the credibility or ethical appeal of the speaker. Public Forum: see general definition. World Schools Debate: see general definition. British Parliamentary: see general definition. Canadian National Debate Format: see general definition.

General Definition: Repeating an argument or evidence from a previous speech in order to provide additional context, analysis, or weighing. In BP, a new argument presented by the member speech that provides a unique perspective from the front half.  Public Forum: see general definition. World Schools Debate: In WSD, extension is …

General Definition: A form of nonverbal communication that involves looking at members of the audience while speaking. Good eye contact demonstrates that the speaker is confident and enthusiastic. Public Forum: see general definition. World Schools Debate: see general definition. British Parliamentary: see general definition. Canadian National Debate Format: see general …

General Definition: A judge with significant experience in debate, either as a former debater or coach. These judges will typically vote based on a detailed “Flow” of the debate and default less on stylistic or argument preferences, although debaters should always ask a judge their preferences before a round (see …

General Definition: A method for taking notes during a debate to accurately record the most important arguments and points of clash. Typically, speeches are flowed side-by-side to track how an argument develops over the course of a debate. Also referred to as a game board. Public Forum: see general definition. …

General Definition: A “lens” by which the judge should view the round or priorize certain impacts over others. Typically, debaters default to a simple “Cost-Benefit Analysis” that compares the advantages and disadvantages of a position, but a more strategic framework will prioritize impacts that are easier for one side of …

General Definition: A form of nonverbal communication that uses one’s hands while speaking to provide emphasis and enhance persuasiveness. Public Forum: see general definition. World Schools Debate: Commonly used. In WSD, gestures are also used to manage POIs. For example, if you are offered a POI, you may simply wave them …