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 clearly.
How to Set Up Your Flow
A good flow should be organized, clear, and easy to read under pressure. Some debaters use paper or a legal pad to take notes, though many these days prefer using a tablet or laptop (we will not do this).
- Use Columns – Divide your page into sections to track each speech. A simple setup:
First Column: Affirmative Constructive (AC)
Second Column: Negative Constructive (NC)
Third Column: First Affirmative Rebuttal (1AR)
Fourth Column: Negative Rebuttal (NR)
Fifth Column: Second Affirmative Rebuttal (2AR)
Here is a good example of a flow sheet that you can download and use. Feel free to adapt this to your own preferences.
- Write in Short Phrases – Do not try to write everything word-for-word. Capture the key arguments in shorthand.
Instead of: "AGI will harm jobs because it automates processes faster than humans, leading to economic instability.”
Write: "AGI → job loss → economic instability"
- Use Abbreviations and Symbols – Speed is key, so create a system that helps you write quickly. Some common abbreviations:
"→" (leads to)
"X" (wrong)
"↑" (increase)
"↓" (decrease)
"J" (justice)
"R" (rights)
"Util" (utilitarianism)
- Color Code or Highlight Important Points – If you have time, marking major arguments can help during rebuttals. Some debaters underline or circle key ideas.
How to Use Your Flow During a Round
Listen for Signposts – Most debaters will introduce their arguments clearly. Write down their main points in order.
Track Refutations Carefully – When your opponent responds to an argument, write their response next to it in the correct column.
Use Your Flow to Rebuild Your Case – If your opponent attacks one of your arguments, check your flow to see what points they did not address. If they dropped something important, point it out to the judge.
Avoiding Common Flowing Mistakes
Writing too much – Keep it brief. If you are writing full sentences, you are going too slow.
Not organizing your flow properly – If your notes are scattered, you will not be able to use them effectively.
Failing to track your own case – Many debaters focus too much on their opponent’s arguments and forget to flow their own points.
Practice Makes Perfect
Flowing is not just a skill- it is a habit. The more you practice, the better you will get. Panther debaters should take every opportunity to flow practice debates, even when they are just watching. Flow rounds from top-level debaters, flow speeches, and challenge yourself to improve your speed and clarity. By treating flowing as a skill that needs constant refinement, you will be better prepared in actual rounds.
The Bottom Line
Flowing is one of the most important skills in debate. If you master it, you will be able to keep up with the round, respond more effectively, and take control of the debate. The best debaters are not just great speakers—they are great note-takers. And the only way to get there is to practice, practice, practice.