5 Keys to Success

January 1, 2007

First, I would like to wish you and yours a very happy new year. Second, I would like to help get you started in the right direction if you want to become one of the elites when it comes to LD debate. I’ve either judged it or coached it for over 20 years and my team has won in every category at almost every tournament we’ve entered at one time or another. Not bragging, but just informing you that I do know a little something on the subject. There are 5 keys to good debating. If you can master all 5, you will win at least 75% of the time. Why not 100%? Since it’s a subjective activity, it doesn’t matter how well you master these keys – biases always get in the way. But at least you’ll have a good shot at making the elimination rounds. The 5 keys are Speaking, Organization, Examples, Turns, and Cross Examination. Shall we begin?

Let’s look at Speaking. You need to learn how to articulate at a rapid pace (not spreading) while avoiding the use of words like “a,” “and”, and “ums.” Remember, you still need to be understood. Having a nice vocabulary always helps. There is an advantage to speaking rapidly which is you can get more information out than your opponent can. The mistake most articulate debaters make is they misuse their talents by trying to get in as much facts as possible. What they should be doing is using their gift to fully explain an argument or concept they are trying to utilize. Instead of having 2-4 arguments per sub point, use your gift to develop one good argument and expand on it.

Next is Organization. Good organizational skills can cancel out good speaking. This alone can get you a win. Everything needs to be sign posted so the judge knows where you are. Of course, there are those arrogant judges whose egos won’t allow for them to admit that they need sign posting, but do it regardless for your benefit. You begin by giving a road map of what you plan to do before you speak. Then argue in the order of the structure of the cases. You start with Paramount Value, Value Criteria, Observations – if any, then the Contentions. You do if for your case and then switch over to your opponent’s case. Master this and you are on your way.

You need Examples. The big key is knowing that briefs or cards can not solely make your case. You have to explain them and show you really understand what the card is saying. I, myself, favor real life examples to support the briefs. This shows you really understand the philosophy behind the card as well as proves that your point is plausible.

The first three keys are mainly for novices; now it’s time for elite status – Turns. In order to master this, you have to know your case inside and out. You need to be able to tell your opponents why their arguments are not as strong as yours. If you read my previous article, you’ll know what not to do. If you truly understand your case, you can make some devastating turns. Trust me, most spreaders have no clue what their case is saying. The key is not to get psyched out by fast talkers. Methodically show that your opponents are clueless as to what they are trying to prove by giving them turns that they either avoid addressing or act like were never made.

Finally, it’s CX time. This is my favorite part of debate when done correctly. This is where you have the opportunity to trap your opponents into proving your point. However, the most important part of CX is making sure you understand your opponents’ cases. If you have to, spend the entire CX going through their cases and getting all the important information you need. Then, if you have extra time, try to back your opponents into a corner and illustrate that they really don’t understand their case. For varsity, the debate can come down to who provides the best CX.

Well those are the 5 keys to becoming a good LD debater. When I’m judging, usually the one that wins 3 out of the 5 keys gets my vote.