General Definition: The end of a speech, usually including a recap of the speaker’s main points and framing of key points of clash. Public Forum: In PF, debaters typically aren’t expected to deliver a formal conclusion, although they may consider one if it serves a strategic purpose like judge adaptation. …

General Definition: The first speech in a debate round, used to build a case. New arguments in a debate are also referred to as “constructive material” regardless of the speech where they appear. Public Forum: In PF, the constructive speeches are four minutes long and typically consist of two “Contentions” …

General Definition: The substantive aspects of an argument; the “Warrants”. This is distinct from the stylistic delivery of a speech. Public Forum: In PF, judges vary on how they weigh substantive versus stylistic aspects of the debate, although they should focus on argument quality and engagement, with weak arguments penalized and …

General Definition: A full argument, including a statement of the central claim or premise, analysis of the status quo, mechanisms or links defining how the motion changes the status quo, and impacts. A debate case may be organized into multiple contentions (e.g. “Contention One”, “Contention Two”, etc.). Public Forum: see …

General Definition: A method of weighing two positions by comparing the disadvantages with the advantages; in other words, does the proposal do more harm or good? This is one of the most common ways to decide a debate round. Public Forum: see general definition. World Schools Debate: see general definition. …

General Definition: A method of clarifying the debate into key areas and highlighting why the judge should vote a specific way. Public Forum: Commonly used. In PF, summary speeches should begin crystallizing the debate, with a majority happening in the final focus. . World Schools Debate: Commonly used. In WSD, reply speeches …

General Definition: Arguments decreasing the impact of an opponent’s argument, prevent them from scoring points or adding weight to their side. Also known as “Mitigation“, defense is often framed as reasons the judge shouldn’t vote for an opponent. Defensive arguments are generally weaker than “Offensive Arguments”, although they can play …

General Definition: The negative effects of an action or idea; used to weigh the conclusions of an argument. Could also refer to a formal argument known as a disadvantage (or “DA”). Public Forum: In PF, disadvantages (or “DAs”) can serve as independent arguments against a position that consist of three parts: …

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.