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 …
General Definition: When a speaker responds to arguments made against their own case and/or extends their partners arguments with some new analysis or examples. See also “Rebuilding“. Public Forum: Not a common phrase in PF, where “Frontlining” is used instead. World Schools Debate: see general definition. British Parliamentary: see general …
General Definition: Direct responses to an opponent’s argument. See also “Clash”. 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: A question asked to make a point or get the audience thinking, rather than to get an answer. 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: Speaker- and team-specific tasks that debaters must complete to give a competent speech. Depending on debate style and speaker position, these tasks can include making constructive arguments, refutation, or summarizing key areas of clash and weighing the debate. Public Forum: see general definition. World Schools Debate: see general …
General Definition: Who or what is affected by an impact. Scope answers the question, “How many are affected?” 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: How damaging or harmful an impact is. Public Forum: Not a common phrase in PF, where “Magnitude” is used more often. World Schools Debate: see general definition. British Parliamentary: see general definition. Canadian National Debate Format: see general definition.
General Definition: The use of numbers and letters to organize arguments in the debate. During refutation, signposting also includes referencing your opponent’s arguments before addressing them (e.g. “My opponent’s first argument is _______, but we disagree for three reasons.”) Public Forum: see general definition. World Schools Debate: see general definition. …
General Definition: A score given to debaters that assesses their style, delivery, and organization for a particular debate. See also “Ballot”. Public Forum: Commonly used. In PF, speaker points typically range from 25 to 30, with 27.5 representing an average speech, 25 representing a failure to engage with the debate …
General Definition: A framing argument explaining the fundamental position of a debate team; often used synonymously with or in support of a “Burden“. Public Forum: Not used in PF, where “Framework” is used to develop the stance. World Schools Debate: Not a common phrase in WSD, where “Burden” is used …
General Definition: The current state of affairs; the present system. Arguments should usually begin with analysis of the status quo so the audience understands what is happening now before the motion is passed. Public Forum: Commonly used. See also “Uniqueness“. World Schools Debate: see general definition. British Parliamentary: see general …
General Definition: Decisions made in the debate to optimize your likelihood of winning. Strategy can include argument choice, time allocation, the balance of offense and defense, rate of speech, and questioning approaches. Public Forum: see general definition. World Schools Debate: In WSD, this is 20% of a judge’s ballot. Strategy …