Constructing a Lincoln-Douglas Debate Speech

by RO '06

How to Structure a Speech

Opening

One way to open is to start with a quote.  It’s a really good way to start off, especially if you can find a relevant one.  If you do use a quote, make sure it’s short and sweet, or you’ll lose the effect.

Quote

“It is because I agree with the words of                       that I affirm/negate today’s resolution “Resolved: …..”   

Example:  When I argued that a government’s obligation to protect the environment ought to take precedence over economic development, I used a quote from Thoreau: “What’s the use of a house if you haven’t got a tolerable planet to put it on?”

 Good sources: www.quotationspage.com

                             www.quoteland.com

If you don’t want to use a quote or if you can’t find a good one to use, don’t worry.  It is absolutely fine to start off a speech by saying, “I stand before you today to affirm/negate the resolution ‘Resolved: …’”

Definitions

In every resolve, the wording is open to interpretation.  The way in which you choose to define the terms in a resolve is very important in a round.   Defining the terms gives you a basis on which to start your speech and establishes a standard for the round.  Sometimes your definitions will agree with your opponents’ and sometimes they will clash.  Either way, it is important to establish these standards early in the round so that you are not arguing different versions of the resolution.   (You can use different definitions for your Aff  and Neg speeches, depending on your arguments.)

After you open, you can say something like: “Before I proceed with my contentions, I would like to offer the following definitions for clarity.”

Example:  For the resolution “Democracy is best served by a strict separation of church and state”, I said that “A strict separation of church and state exists when the state does not favor one religion over another and does not interfere in the affairs of the church.”

Value and Value Criteria

Your value, or value premise, is a basic framework that you are laying down before the round.  It is generally a “big” idea: e.g. democracy, quality of life, etc.  By picking a value, you are saying that whichever side best upholds the value should win.  Your value criterion is a standard by which this value is judged, e.g. protection of rights.  Your value and value criterion should be a framework that incorporates your various arguments.  During the round, one value will be established as the “standard for the round”, and whichever side best upholds it wins.  If your opponent’s value becomes established as the standard for the round, don’t worry.  Steal it!  Show how your arguments support the value better than theirs do. 

“My value for this debate will be…

The criterion by which this value will be judged is…”

Contentions

Your contentions are your arguments.  Aff generally has 3 or 4, while Neg has 2 or 3.  Each argument should be clearly defined and should relate back to your value.  Under each contention, you can have sub points.  Sub points are recommended because it makes your argument easier to follow.  It gives your speech a clearer structure, which contributes to the flow of the debate.  Don’t go overboard though; 2 or 3 are plenty.  Also, if your contentions don’t lend themselves to sub points, don’t try to force it.

Contention 1:

              Sub point a:

              Sub point b:

Contention 2:

              Sub point a

              Sub point b:

              Sub point c:

Contention 3:

              Sub point a:

              Sub point b:

Conclusion

After you wrap up your last contention, you end by saying,

“For all of these reasons, I urge an affirmative/negative ballot.  I now stand ready for cross examination.”