Ask Jim about Debate
|
Breaking Down Barriers: Ask Jim about Debate |
You can submit questions too, just email Jim at hansonjb@whitman.edu
First, view yourself not as just covering everything--view yourself as the affirmative savior. You are taking back the debate from 13 minutes of negative attacks.
Second, start where you're strong and emphasize it; then go where you are weak and need to respond (so you don't drop anything); and end with issues that aren't so critical.
Third, extend 2ac answers rather than reading new pieces of evidence (if this is possible).
Fourth, give reasons for your arguments and explanations. Sure, you don't have time to go into incredible detail--but give a sentence or two of why--rather than just assertions and short tag lines.
Fifth, look like you are in control. Don't look and act flustered. Don't sound like "I've got to go fast because I've got so much to cover." Sound calm and cool--you'll get to the stuff you need to if you don’t' spend time sputtering through arguments because you are trying to go faster than you are ready to do so.
Jim
------------------
additional comments from Jonathan Judge:
First, a successful 1AR needs a good 2AC. You need to have something
on which to base your responses. In one round I saw this weekend, the
1AR had about 40 seconds of material. Why? Because 2AC only put out a
few responses on each argument. The negative cheerfully 10-pointed
them all, and that was that. Your 2AC should be able to put out a lot
of responses, and most importantly, responses you can win.
The second thing is to determine which responses are strongest. Go
for those first. These can be dropped responses, misanalyzed
responses, or even well-answered ones if you believe that you can win
them. This is especially important on disads, when a dropped no link
response can save you much trouble. It may also help to determine in
advance which answers on your frontlines you think are most winnable.
You are then likely to begin formulating responses as 2NC/1NR deals
with them, and not wait until CX to start sorting through the mess.
Finally, realize the danger of the case spread, which is the most
effective weapon the negative has. Good negatives spread with case,
not disads, because the Aff has to cover all of case, which is rarely
the case in the disad debate. Take old flows and practice covering
the case spread in 3 minutes or so. Again, rely on good 2AC cards and
analysis to make your job easier. Don't read cards unless they're
really important -- too much time taken.
Oh. Also be glad that you have 5 minutes. When we had 4, 1AR was a
bit more sporting.
Jonathan Judge
Appleton West Debate
Thanks to seanh@axisnet.net for asking this question.