Debate Vocabulary

4. Speaking time allotted to review arguments and clarify the round.
5. The note-taking technique used in debate to track all points and arguments.
8. An argument that goes unanswered by your opponent.
9. Giving your audience a heads up when you change arguments. We now know where to write your upcoming response on our flow. It is very important to tell your judge where to write your arguments. If you don’t, they may not write them down at all.
11. The lens through which you would like your argument viewed. This is used to help the audience weigh your points.
12. Giving your audience a very basic preview of your speech. Typically: “Judge, I will be attacking our opponents’ case, and defending ours with the time remaining.” This tells the audience you are organized.
15. The exact wording of your topic.
16. Valid quotes and sources that are delivered conversationally. Sometimes referred to as a “card” which refers to the days when debaters cut and pasted their quotes on note cards.

1. The so-what factor of your claim
2. The cross examination period where you and your opponent take turns asking questions. This period is one versus one. There are two types of questions: clarification and questions of exploitation to set up your future arguments. Be strategic, but polite.
3. Aligning your arguments directly to your opponents’ points. Debates get very hard to judge when they are two teams making points but not attacking the other teams points as well. Make your points clearly, but attack every argument your opponent makes.
6. The speeches where you offer your main points following the basic structure we have used in class.
7. The cross examination period where all four debaters are allowed to speak.
10. Using the flow to argue against your opponents’ arguments.
13. Time allotted to each team that does not count as speaking time. This time (3 minutes per team for you) is used to prepare notes for your next speech and discuss strategy with your partner. It can be used before any of your speeches. It is NOT used before an opponent’s speech or before a crossfire period.
14. A main point or separate argument; a general statement or point you are trying to make.