Think Fast, Speak Smart A Practical Guide for Central York Panthers Entering the LD Debate Arena

Open Welcome to LD Debate

Welcome to LD Debate

You’ve just stepped into the world of Lincoln-Douglas (LD) debate- a world of logic, persuasion, and critical thinking. Whether you signed up out of curiosity, to sharpen your public speaking skills, or because someone convinced you it would “look good on college applications,” you’re here now. And that’s a great place to start.

LD debate is different from other forms of debate you may have heard of. It’s not about rattling off statistics or throwing a dozen arguments at your opponent and hoping one sticks. It’s a one-on-one debate, centered on big ideas- morality, justice, rights, and responsibilities. Every round is a structured argument about what should be rather than what is. You’re not just stating facts; you’re persuading your judge that your side of the resolution is the one that best upholds a core value.

So, what can you expect? First, expect to be challenged. Debate will force you to think in ways you haven’t before. You’ll learn to construct logical arguments,

Open What Makes LD Debate Unique?

What Makes LD Debate Unique?

Debates come in many forms. Some are rapid-fire, filled with technical jargon and overflowing with evidence. Others are team-based, where multiple speakers divide the work. Lincoln-Douglas (LD) debate? It’s different. It’s a solo debate, focused on values, philosophy, and persuasion.

LD debate isn’t about which policy works best or which side has the most statistics. Instead, it asks bigger questions: What is just? What is moral? What rights should people have? Every round, you’ll be debating a resolution that forces you to take a stance on one of these fundamental issues. And unlike some debates where speed and sheer volume of evidence win rounds, LD is about clarity and logic. You don’t need to overwhelm your judge- you need to convince them.

Another key difference? It’s one-on-one. There’s no partner to lean on. Every argument, every question, every response- you handle it all yourself. This means you have complete control over your strategy, but it also means ther

Open The LD Debate Format

The LD Debate Format

LD debate isn’t just about what you say- it’s about when you say it. Every round follows a structured format, with each speech serving a specific purpose. If you understand the format, you can control the round. If you don’t, you’ll find yourself scrambling to keep up.

An LD round consists of six speeches, two cross-examinations, and two prep periods, if you need them. Here’s the breakdown:

Affirmative Constructive (AC) – 6 minutes The affirmative speaker (the one supporting the resolution) delivers their prepared speech. This is where they introduce their framework (value and criterion) and present their main arguments (called contentions).

Cross-Examination (CX) – 3 minutes The negative speaker (the one opposing the resolution) asks questions about the affirmative’s case. The goal is to find weaknesses, force clarifications, or set up future arguments.

Negative Constructive (NC) & Rebuttal – 7 minutes The negative speaker presents their own framework a

Open Understanding the Resolution

Understanding the Resolution

Listen to the short podcast episode here (6:22)

Every Lincoln-Douglas debate starts with a resolution. This is the statement you and your opponent will argue for or against. The resolution is not a question. It’s a claim- something that can be affirmed or negated. Your job is to prove why it is (or isn’t) true.

Take these two resolutions from the National Speech and Debate Association:

• Resolved: The United States ought to become party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and/or the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. (January/February 2025)
• Resolved: The development of Artificial General Intelligence is immoral. (March/April 2025)

At first glance, these might seem overwhelming. They involve international law, artificial intelligence, and moral philosophy. But every resolution can be broken down into key parts, making it easier to understand.

**Step 1: I

Open Core Values and Value Criteria

Core Values and Value Criteria

Listen to the short podcast episode here (4:07)

Lincoln-Douglas debate isn’t just about proving your side is correct - it’s about proving that your side better upholds a core value. Every debate resolution is rooted in a fundamental principle, something that helps determine what is right, just, or ethical. If you don’t establish a clear value, your argument won’t have a foundation.

A core value is the big-picture idea that your case is built around. It answers the question: What is the most important principle in this debate? Some of the most common values in LD debate include:

• Justice - Is the resolution fair to all parties involved?

• Morality - Is the resolution ethically sound?

• Democracy - Does the resolution support or strengthen democratic principles?

• Liberty - Does the resolution protect individual freedoms?

• Human dignity - Does the resolution respect the

Open Constructing an Affirmative Case

Constructing an Affirmative Case

Listen to the short podcast episode here (4:17)

When you debate on the affirmative side, your job is to prove that the resolution is true. You aren’t just stating your opinion - you are making a structured argument that convinces the judge your position is the correct one. A strong affirmative case is built on three essential components: a framework, a set of contentions, and a clear strategy for persuasion.

Step 1: Establish Your Framework

Every Lincoln-Douglas case starts with a framework, which includes your core value and value criterion. This is how you define what is most important in the debate and how the judge should evaluate the round.

• If the resolution is “The development of Artificial General Intelligence is immoral,” your value might be morality, and your criterion might be minimizing harm.

• If the resolution is “_The United States ought to becom

Open Constructing a Negative Case

Constructing a Negative Case

When you debate on the negative side, your job is to prove that the resolution is false. This doesn’t mean you just disagree with the affirmative - it means you provide a structured argument that gives the judge clear reasons to reject the resolution. A strong negative case follows the same basic structure as an affirmative case: a framework, a set of contentions, and a clear strategy for refutation.

Step 1: Establish Your Framework

Just like the affirmative, the negative side needs a core value and a value criterion to define the debate. Your framework should directly challenge the affirmative’s and show why their standard for evaluating the resolution is flawed.

For example, if the resolution is:"The development of Artificial General Intelligence is immoral,"

The affirmative might use:

• Value: Morality

• Criterion: Minimizing harm

A negative framework might challenge this by saying:

• Value: Progress

Open Using Evidence in LD Debate

Using Evidence Effectively in LD Debate

Your arguments are only as strong as the evidence behind them. In Lincoln-Douglas debate, you’re not just throwing out statistics or quoting famous thinkers- you’re building a persuasive, well-supported case. That means using relevant, credible, and properly integrated evidence to strengthen your position. If your opponent calls out weak sources, outdated facts, or misused quotes, your case will fall apart. Here’s how to make sure your evidence works for you, not against you.

Good Sources vs. Bad Sources

Not all evidence is created equal. Judges (and skilled opponents) will spot unreliable or biased sources a mile away.

Use sources that are:

• Recent (within five years) – If your evidence is older than this, find something newer. AI and technology change rapidly, and judges won’t take decade-old data on AGI seriously.

• From credible institutions – Universities, government agencies, respected research groups (e.g

Open Contentions, Warrants, and Impacts

Contentions, Warrants, and Impacts

Arguments in Lincoln-Douglas debate aren’t just about stating opinions - they have to be structured in a way that makes them clear, logical, and persuasive. That’s where contentions, warrants, and impacts come in. These three components form the foundation of every argument you make in a debate round. If you understand how they work, you can build stronger cases and refute your opponent’s arguments more effectively.

Step 1: Contentions - The Big Claims

A contention is your main argument. It is a statement that supports your side of the resolution. Think of contentions as the pillars that hold up your case. If they are weak, your entire argument collapses.

For example, if you are affirming the resolution “The development of Artificial General Intelligence is immoral,” one of your contentions might be:

• AGI threatens human autonomy.

This is a strong claim, but a claim alone isn’t enough. You have to prove it. That’s where warrants come

Open Common LD Philosophical Frameworks

Common LD Philosophical Frameworks

Lincoln-Douglas debate isn’t just about arguing what is true - it’s about arguing what is right. Since LD debates focus on values, many debaters use philosophical frameworks to give their arguments a stronger foundation. These frameworks help judges understand why your side of the debate is the most ethical or justifiable.

Even if you’ve never studied philosophy before, don’t worry. You don’t need to be an expert in political theory or ethics to use these frameworks effectively. You just need to understand the basic principles and how to apply them to your case.

1. Utilitarianism - The Greatest Good for the Greatest Number

Utilitarianism is a simple but powerful framework. It argues that the best action is the one that produces the most overall happiness or well-being. In a debate, this means your side is correct if it leads to the best outcome for the most people.

• Example: If the resolution is “_The development of Artificial General Inte

Open Clash: How to Attack and Defend Arguments

Clash: How to Attack and Defend Arguments

Debate isn’t just about making your own arguments - it’s about clashing with your opponent’s. Clash is what separates a real debate from two people giving speeches. If you can break down your opponent’s case while defending your own, you’ll control the round.

There are two sides to clash: attacking arguments (refutation) and defending arguments (rebuilding). Strong debaters master both.

Step 1: How to Attack an Argument (Refutation)

When refuting your opponent, you don’t just say, “That’s wrong.” You need to explain why their argument is flawed. The easiest way to do this is the Four-Step Refutation Method:

1. Identify the Argument - Start by clearly stating which argument you’re refuting. (“My opponent claims that AGI development is immoral because it will harm jobs.”)

2. Counter the Claim - Explain why their argument is incorrect or weak. (“_This assumes that AI will only replace jobs rather than create new indus

Open The Elements of Eloquence

Our Textbook for Style: The Elements of Eloquence

If you're serious about mastering Lincoln-Douglas debate or excelling in individual speaking events, you need more than just arguments- you need style. That’s why, starting in the 2025–2026 season, Panther debaters will be studying The Elements of Eloquence: Secrets of the Perfect Turn of Phrase by Mark Forsyth. This book breaks down the tools of great orators- the very same rhetorical devices used by Shakespeare, presidents, poets, and even advertisers.

Forsyth explains how to use techniques like alliteration, antithesis, and anaphora to make your words sharper, more memorable, and more powerful. He writes in a way that’s witty and easy to follow, but every chapter teaches something you can take straight into competition. Whether you’re writing a case, giving a summation, or crafting a speech for extemp or oratory, these devices will make your message stand out.

We’ll be diving deep into this book next season, and every Panther debater is e

Open Speaking with Confidence

Speaking with Confidence

You can have the strongest arguments in the room, but if you don’t deliver them with confidence, they won’t matter. Debate is about persuasion, and persuasion isn’t just what you say - it’s how you say it.

Great debaters know how to command the room. They make eye contact, use clear vocal delivery, and engage their judges. They don’t just read speeches; they perform them.

The Problem with Laptops in Debate

Back in the old days, debaters used a lectern and note cards. This forced them to look up, make eye contact, and connect with the judge. Today, more and more debaters rely on laptops during their speeches, and it’s hurting their communication.

When speakers stare at a screen, they lose their connection with the room. They get trapped in their notes, mumbling into their keyboards instead of projecting to their audience. Judges notice this - and it makes it harder for them to stay engaged.

Panther debaters should not use laptops during speeches. I

Open Cross-Examination Strategies

Cross-Examination Strategies

Cross-examination (CX) is your chance to take control of the debate. It’s not just a formality - it’s a weapon. If used correctly, it can expose weaknesses in your opponent’s case, force them into contradictions, and set up your own arguments for success. If used poorly, it’s a wasted opportunity.

Most novice debaters treat CX like a conversation. It’s not. It’s strategic. Every question you ask should serve a purpose. Every answer you give should protect your case.

The Purpose of CX

There are three main goals in cross-examination:

1. Clarify - If something in your opponent’s case is vague or confusing, ask about it. Judges can’t evaluate what they don’t understand. (“Can you clarify how your criterion actually measures justice?”)

2. Expose Weaknesses - Force your opponent to admit contradictions, lack of evidence, or logical flaws. (“_You claim that AGI will lead to mass unemployment, but what about the new jobs created by AI? Do you have d

Open Flowing: Taking Notes Like a Pro

Flowing: Taking Notes Like a Pro

Debate moves fast. If you cannot keep track of what is being said, you will struggle to respond effectively. This is where flowing comes in. Flowing is the structured way debaters take notes during a round, allowing them to track arguments, refutations, and key points. A well-organized flow helps you anticipate your opponent’s responses, make stronger arguments, and avoid repeating points that have already been addressed.

Flowing is not a skill that develops overnight. It takes consistent practice to become proficient. Panther debaters should take every opportunity to flow practice rounds, speeches, and even debates they watch. The more you practice, the faster and more accurate your flowing will become.

Why Flowing Matters

• Helps you track every argument in the round.

• Prevents dropping arguments, which can cost you the debate.

• Allows you to identify weaknesses in your opponent’s case.

• Helps you **structure your rebuttals

Open Weighing Arguments and Winning the Judge

Weighing Arguments and Winning the Judge

Winning a debate isn’t just about making strong arguments - it’s about proving why your arguments matter more than your opponent’s. This process is called weighing, and it’s one of the most important skills in Lincoln-Douglas debate.

At the end of the round, the judge has heard two competing cases. Both sides will have made points that sound reasonable. Your job is to make the judge’s decision easy by clearly explaining why your arguments carry more weight than your opponent’s.

What Does It Mean to Weigh Arguments?

Weighing is the process of comparing arguments based on impact, probability, and magnitude to show why your case is stronger. Instead of just saying, “My argument is better,” you need to explain why your argument should determine the outcome of the debate.

Here are three common ways to weigh arguments:

1. Impact - Why Does This Argument Matter?

Not all arguments are equally important. Some have a bigger effe

Open Writing a Strong Final Focus

Writing a Strong Final Focus

Your final speech is your last chance to convince the judge to vote for you. By this point, all the arguments have been made, the clash has happened, and the judge has heard both sides. Now, your job is to simplify the debate and make their decision easy.

A strong final focus doesn’t introduce new arguments. Instead, it refines what has already been said, emphasizes your best points, and clearly explains why you’ve won the round.

Step 1: Collapse the Debate

You don’t have time to address everything. Pick the most important arguments and focus on them. If you try to respond to every single point, you’ll run out of time and weaken your overall impact.

Ask yourself:

• Which arguments have the biggest impact? The judge should remember these above all else.

• Which of my opponent’s arguments are already weak? If they failed to defend something, don’t waste time on it.

• What will make the judge’s decision easiest? Give them a clear pa

Open Judge Adaptation: Understanding Different Perspectives

Judge Adaptation: Understanding Different Perspectives

In Lincoln-Douglas debate, winning isn’t just about making strong arguments- it’s about making the right arguments for your audience. Judges have different backgrounds, preferences, and expectations. If you don’t adapt to them, you could lose a round you should have won.

Your job isn’t to guess exactly what a judge wants- it’s to recognize their perspective and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Step 1: Identify Your Judge’s Background

Judges generally fall into three categories:

1. Lay Judges – Parents, teachers, or community members with little debate experience.

2. Flow Judges – Former debaters or coaches who are trained to take detailed notes (“flow”) and track every argument.

3. Traditional Judges – Experienced judges who value persuasion, clear logic, and structured arguments but don’t necessarily prioritize speed or technical details.

Each type of judge listens differently. If you can recognize who is

Open How to Practice Effectively

How to Practice Effectively

Success in Lincoln-Douglas debate doesn’t come from talent alone. It comes from preparation and practice. The best debaters aren’t just the smartest- they’re the ones who have put in the most work outside of competition.

But not all practice is useful. If you’re just reading your case over and over or doing random drills without a goal, you’re not improving as fast as you could be. Good practice is structured, intentional, and focused on the right skills.

Step 1: Practice Speaking Under Pressure

Debate rounds move fast. If you can’t think and speak quickly, you’ll struggle. The best way to improve is by practicing under real conditions.

• Time yourself. Always practice with a timer. Get used to pacing your speeches so you don’t run out of time or rush at the end.

• Do practice rounds. Even if you don’t have an opponent, deliver your speech as if you’re in a real round. The more you practice under pressure, the more natural it will feel.

• **Reco

Open Developing a Winning Mindset

Developing a Winning Mindset

Success in Lincoln-Douglas debate is not just about strategy, research, or speaking skills. It is about mindset. The best debaters do not just aim to win rounds; they develop the habits, discipline, and mental toughness that allow them to improve consistently.

Embracing the Learning Process

Debate is not easy. No one walks into their first tournament and dominates. Even the best debaters started by losing rounds, struggling to respond under pressure, and making mistakes. What separates winners from everyone else is their willingness to learn from failure.

• Instead of getting frustrated after a loss, ask what you can improve.

• Take feedback seriously. If a judge tells you that your arguments were unclear, focus on fixing that before your next round.

• Accept that every round, win or lose, is an opportunity to get better.

Confidence Comes from Preparation

Many debaters struggle with nerves. Confidence does not come from hoping you will do well;

Open Glossary of Debate Terms

Glossary of Debate Terms

This glossary covers essential Lincoln-Douglas debate terminology. Understanding these terms will help you follow debates more easily and improve your ability to communicate arguments effectively.

A

• Affirmative (Aff) – The side that supports the resolution and argues in favor of its truth.

• Analytical Argument – An argument based on logical reasoning rather than direct evidence.

B

• Ballot – The written decision of the judge at the end of the round, indicating which debater won.

• Break – Advancing to the next elimination round of a tournament based on performance in preliminary rounds.

C

• Case – The set of arguments presented by each debater to support their position.

• Contention – A main argument in a case.

• Cross-Examination (CX) – A three-minute period after each constructive speech where one debater asks the other questions.

• Criterion – The way the value in the debate is measured; a standa

Open Sample Cases

Sample Cases

Below are sample affirmative and negative cases for the March/April 2025 Lincoln-Douglas Debate topic:

Resolved: The development of Artificial General Intelligence is immoral.

Each case follows a structured argument that can be adapted for different rounds.

Affirmative Case (Arguing That AGI Development is Immoral)

Introduction

The rapid advancement of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) poses one of the greatest ethical challenges of our time. Unlike narrow AI, which is designed for specific tasks, AGI would be capable of independent reasoning, decision-making, and self-improvement. While some argue that AGI has potential benefits, the risks it introduces far outweigh any possible gains. If AGI development leads to large-scale harm, undermines human autonomy, and erodes moral responsibility, then its creation is inherently immoral. Because morality is be

Open Great Speeches in History

The Great Speeches

Great oratory is more than just words- it is music for the soul. Like a symphony that builds from a quiet opening to a soaring crescendo, a great speech moves its audience, stirs their emotions, and compels them to action. The rhythm, pacing, and tone of a masterful speaker can lift spirits, awaken courage, and inspire people to reach heights they never imagined possible. History has been shaped by the voices of those who, through sheer force of language, have led nations, sparked revolutions, and called humanity to its better self. Listen to these great speeches- not just with your ears, but with your heart- and feel what they do to your soul. If you can capture even a drop of this power, a single note of this music, and carry it into your LD debates, victory will follow.

Political and Inspirational Speeches

Winston Churchill – "We Shall Fight on the Beaches" (1940)

• Description: Delivered during World War II, Churchill's speech rallied British resolve ag

Open Oratory in Film

Oratory in Film

Great oratory isn’t confined to history books or political arenas- it lives on the silver screen as well. Some of the most powerful, moving speeches ever delivered have come from actors who embody the rhythm, intensity, and emotional depth of masterful speakers. Film allows us to study the timbre, pacing, and conviction of great performances, offering a unique opportunity to sharpen our own speaking skills. Just as musicians listen to virtuosos to refine their craft, debaters can learn from the way skilled actors deliver a monologue, command a scene, and captivate an audience. Watch these moments of cinematic oratory- not just for their words, but for the way they are spoken- and let them refine your own voice.

Kevin Spacey as Clarence Darrow – "Closing Speech in the Leopold & Loeb Trial"

• Description: Spacey portrays legendary defense attorney Clarence Darrow, delivering his famous plea for mercy in the 1924 Leopold and Loeb trial. The speech is an emotional, d

Open Recommended Readings and Resources

Introduction to Recommended Readings and Resources

Debaters who want to improve should always be learning. The books, articles, and websites in this section provide background knowledge on argumentation, philosophy, and current events. Many of the links will take you to a folder that contains both an epub file and a PDF version. (Here are the directions for adding PDFs or ePub files to your Kindle, if you prefer to read them using that App). These resources are entirely optional- they are here for those who want to deepen their understanding of debate concepts and relevant topics. I have not read all of them myself (yet), so I encourage you to think critically about any source you explore. Use them as tools to sharpen your skills and expand your perspective.

Web Resources

Nationals 2019 - Lincoln-Douglas Debate Final Round Debating the topic

Open The U.N. Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The Importance of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) stands as one of the most significant documents in human history, a global affirmation that every person, regardless of nationality, race, or status, is entitled to dignity, freedom, and justice. Drafted in the aftermath of World War II, when the world had witnessed unimaginable atrocities, the UDHR was a bold statement that such violations must never happen again. It set a moral and legal foundation for human rights worldwide, inspiring countless laws, movements, and international agreements. More than just words on paper, it is a promise that humanity can and must hold itself to a higher standard. To read the UDHR is to be reminded that the fight for human dignity is ongoing- and that each of us has a role in defending it.

The United States is a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and, in fact, played a crucial role in its creation, with Eleanor Ro

Open 2025 LD Summer Camps

2025 LD Summer Camps Summer debate camps are one of the best experiences a young debater can have. You’ll be surrounded by students from across the country who are just as excited to improve as you are, and you’ll learn from some of the best instructors in the nation. These camps are immersive, high-energy, and incredibly fun. You’ll get better fast- not just at argumentation and speaking, but at organization, research, and strategy. If you’re serious about leveling up your Lincoln-Douglas skills while having an unforgettable summer, these programs are worth a look.

This article lists six excellent national LD debate camps. The details of the first three are below.

National Symposium for Debate (NSD)

Location: Bryn Mawr College, Philadelphia

Dates: June 29 – July 12

Price: $3,295 Residential / $2,895 Commuter

Details: NSD offers a 4:1 student-to-facul