Presentation+of+the+Debate-+Buck

1) In most leagues/tournaments, there is a set amount of time given to each team that they can use as they see fit for preparation. Most commonly, eight minutes are given to each team, and the speakers can decide how they want to use it (perhaps two minutes before each speech, or all eight minutes before one major speech). It is important to have these set time-limit rules, to give teams a chance to prepare, and to ensure that one team doesn't have an advantage over the other (by having more time to prepare/organize thoughts before speaking).

2) In a constructive speech, all of the case building work (creating and evidencing arguments for your side) is done. The constructive speech is longer than a rebuttal speech, and each team member gives one (so there are two affirmative constructive speeches and two negative constructive speeches). In an affirmative constructive speech, the speaker presents reasons why the change is necessary, and how to go about the change. In a negative constructive speech, the speaker sets up the negative argument, defends the current system and objects the affirmative's arguments (an affirmative constructive speech is presented first, so this is possible). Rebuttal speeches for the negative and affirmative sides are presented after constructive speeches, are shorter and are used to defend and attack the arguments previously presented in the constructive speeches.

3) In the first affirmative constructive speech, the speaker explains why the change [to the current system] is necessary, and how to go about the change.

4) It is very important to prepare an affirmative or negative brief prior to the debate, to ensure that one is prepared to speak. (Although debate requires some spontaneous thinking, it is also important to plan a little in advance so one has evidence to support their views and sounds polished). A brief is a "method of organizing issues and evidence." (A brief includes evidence supporting one's argument and responses to the opponent's argument). In a brief, one must find evidence pertaining to the general topic, including evidence that would support or refute arguments that the opponent might bring up. Then, each piece of evidence should be written down with a few other pieces of evidence under a common topic/theme. Finally, a short piece should be written up to state why the evidence is conclusive.

5) In theory, flowing is simple; it is just taking notes on the round of debate. However, in practice, flowing is very challenging to master because it can be hard to accurately record all pertinent information, arguments and evidence that is brought up in the debate. Flowing is essential because it helps organize one's own argument, and helps one attack their opponent's arguments.

6) It is of utmost importance to keep one's speech organized, if one has any hopes of winning the round of debate. (If one's argument is confusing to the judge, they are unlikely to win the debate). Keeping a speech organized is important, because it allows one to see where they are going with their point, to successfully argue against their opponent, and gain respect in the world of debate.