Basics – Dynamic Debate Advice

What’s the best way to do a 1AR?

Without a doubt, the 1AR is the hardest LD speech. However, with a strong strategy, you can make it work for you to the win. The 1AR is always hard; even after four years of debate I still feel a bit nervous standing up after an information-packed 1NC-NR. That’s normal. What our job is nowContinue reading “What’s the best way to do a 1AR?”

LD Debate Dictionary

Here is the long-awaited LD Dynamic Debate Dictionary! Coming soon are PF and Policy. Best of luck to all readers as the NovDec topic wraps up!

Topics are out, now what?

With several potential topics for each two-month segment, it can feel overwhelming or useless to even start research, but there are ways to handle them and help yourself in-season. The first thing to do when looking at the potential topics list is figure out what you do and don’t know. If you know plenty aboutContinue reading “Topics are out, now what?”

How do I do research?

One of the most fundamental skills in any debate event is case research. If you look closely, good research is not hard to find. You’ve read everything on the first three pages of google and you need more: more detail, more case-specific support, more information on a niche position. There are quite a few toolsContinue reading “How do I do research?”

How can I do well in World Schools Debate?

The most important element of world schools is a globally focused narrative- move away from US and Canada-centric systems. If you’ve made the cut for a district or city team in World Schools, congratulations! If you’re able to join World Schools as just another debate event, welcome! World Schools Debate (WSD) is very similar toContinue reading “How can I do well in World Schools Debate?”

What makes a good original oratory (OO)?

Original oratory is the freest event in speech and debate- there is no assigned topic, and almost all of the words are yours. Now, just about anyone can tell their story or opinion in a ten minute speech, but what sets the best OOs apart is their emotion and impact. Usually, emotions come out bestContinue reading “What makes a good original oratory (OO)?”

What is a Value Criterion?

If a value is something important to be weighed, the value criterion is the scale. In Lincoln-Douglas and other assorted forms of debate, arguments are based on a framework consisting of a value and a value criterion. A value is a philosophical principle, usually reflective of the highest good, whereas a value criterion is theContinue reading “What is a Value Criterion?”

What do I put in a 2AR? Is it just voting issues?

Your last word ought to ‘checkmate’ the round. Close with finality and persuasiveness, knocking out any last negative pawns. All too often, 2 AR’s (2nd Aff. rebuttal) are hastily thrown together KVIs and a winded “Thank you.” No more of this. A good 2 AR does have key voting issues, but it should be moreContinue reading “What do I put in a 2AR? Is it just voting issues?”