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 …
General Definition: How one delivers speeches, including techniques like tone, pitch, rate, facial expressions, gestures, volume, eye contact, word choice, etc. Public Forum: Commonly used. In PF, style is typically evaluated as part of a debater’s “Speaker Points“, although it may influence the judge’s perception of their arguments as well. …
General Definition: A main area of clash set up for the debate. Two substantives are typically presented in the first speech for each side, with a third contention in the second. Substantives should include a premise or claim for an argument, followed by multiple lines of analysis, examples, and subpoints, …
General Definition: A method for synthesizing the debate and resolve disagreements by explaining why one argument should win over another. May also refer to the third speech of a debate that accomplishes a similar goal. Public Forum: In PF, a three-minute speech used to extend key arguments/clash and weighing, as …
General Definition: Preparing to debate both sides of a motion. Public Forum: see general definition. World Schools Debate: In WSD, students must be prepared to switch sides for a Prepared Motion. British Parliamentary: Not used in BP, except as a training activity. Canadian National Debate Format: In CNDF, students must …
General Definition: The final, and often most severe, impact of an action or reaction. Public Forum: see general definition. World Schools Debate: Not commonly used in WSD. British Parliamentary: Not commonly used in BP. Canadian National Debate Format: Not commonly used in CNDF.
General Definition: The main areas of clash in a debate. Public Forum: Not commonly used in PF, although teams may develop themes to frame key arguments. World Schools Debate: see general definition. British Parliamentary: see general definition. Canadian National Debate Format: see general definition.
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 …
General Definition: When an impact occurs and well as how long it lasts (i.e. short-term, long-term, etc.). Timeframe arguments are used to establish urgency. Public Forum: see general definition. World Schools Debate: Not a common phrase in WSD, although teams should try to establish the urgency and/or timeliness of their …
General Definition: The central premise being debated, often called the “Motion” or “Resolution“. Public Forum: Not a common phrase in PF, where “Resolution” is used instead. World Schools Debate: Not a common phrase in WSD, where “Motion” is used instead. British Parliamentary: Not a common phrase in BP, where “Motion” …