The Atlanta Urban Debate League is committed to providing excellent debate education programs, services, and opportunities to diverse students, educators, and members of the community!
How do I debate in PF? Speech times and purposes
Pro Constructive
Time: 4 minutes
Speaker: 1st speaker (pro)
Purpose:
The Constructive Speeches lay the foundation for the debate.
Each side will make 2 – 3 arguments (Contentions) in favor of (Pro) or against (Con) the resolution.
This speech is researched and written prior to the tournament.
Con Constructive
Time: 4 minutes
Speaker: 1st speaker (con)
Crossfire (3 min) – The 1st speakers (people who gave the speech) ask and answer questions
Pro Rebuttal
Time: 4 minutes
Speaker: 2nd speaker (pro)
Purpose:
The Rebuttal Speeches answer the arguments made by the other team during its Constructive.
A good rebuttal speaker will both DEFEND his or her “case” and ANSWER the other team’s arguments.
Con Rebuttal
Time: 4 minutes
Speaker: 2nd speaker (con)
CrossFIRE (3 min) – The 2nd speakers (people who gave the speech) ask and answer questions
Pro Summary
Time: 3 minutes
Speaker: 1st speaker (pro)
Purpose:
The Summary Speech “summarizes” the debate.
A good summary focuses on defending (or answering) the most important arguments and tells the judge how they should be evaluated.
Debaters should NOT try to answer every argument made during the Rebuttal.
Con Summary
Time: 3 minutes
Speaker: 1st speaker (con)
grand crossfire (3 min)
Pro Final Focus
Time: 2 minutes
Speaker: 2nd speaker (pro)
Purpose:
The Final Focus focuses the debate on 1 – 2 arguments.
Impact Calculus is a must. Write the ballot for the judge.
Con Final Focus
Time: 2 minutes
Speaker: 2nd speaker (con)