Lincoln-Douglas Debate
is based upon the Lincoln-Douglas debates of the 1860's. It is also known as values debate due to the focus of the resolution on values. Competitors are required to debate the resolution for both affirmative and negative, regardless of personal opinion. A new resolution is provided each month.
|
Affirmative constructive |
6 minutes |
|---|---|
| Negative cross-examination | 3 minutes |
| Negative constructive/attack | 7 minutes |
| Affirmative cross-examination | 3 minutes |
| Affirmative rebuttal | 4 minutes |
| Negative rebuttal/close | 6 minutes |
| Affirmative close | 3 minutes |
*Note: Competitors are given a total of 2 minutes preparation time.
Team Debate is also known as policy debate due to the focus of the resolution on policy. Teams are required to debate the resolution for both affirmative and negative, regardless of personal opinion. The same resolution is debated for the entire season.
|
Affirmative Constructive |
8 Minutes |
|---|---|
| Negative Cross Examination | 3 Minutes |
| Negative Constructive | 8 Minutes |
| Affirmative Cross Examination | 3 Minutes |
| Affirmative Constructive | 8 Minutes |
| Negative Cross Examination | 3 Minutes |
| Negative Constructive | 8 Minutes |
| Affirmative Cross Examination | 3 Minutes |
| Negative Rebuttal | 5 Minutes |
| Affirmative Rebuttal | 5 Minutes |
| Negative Rebuttal | 5 Minutes |
| Affirmative Rebuttal | 5 Minutes |
Note: Competitors are given a total of 3 minutes preparation time.
Public Forum Debate
Public forum debate can be compared to a nationally-televised debate, such as 'Crossfire' in which the debaters argue a topic of national importance, typically one involving foreign or domestic policy as opposed to the more philosophy centric topics of Lincoln-Douglas debate. Similar to policy debate, the debate in public forum debate is conducted by teams of two people alternating speeches for their side, either affirming or negating their topic. In contrast to policy and Lincoln-Douglas debate, there is little focus on extreme speed or arcane debate jargon or argumentation theory; instead, successful public forum debaters must make persuasive and logical arguments in a manner that is accessible to a wide variety of audiences. Public forum debate also focuses on not only logical, but research based arguments. Students can do their own research, but there are also a number of services that provide research for the debaters. It is expected that arguments will be supported with evidence, rather than just rhetoric.
SPEECH
Expository is a self written oration designed to inform or explain using visual aids. Time limit is 10 minutes.
Extemporaneous is a 5-8 minute speech involving current issues of national and international significance drawn from Time Magazine, U.S. News and World Report, or Newsweek. Competitor draws 3 topics and has 30 minutes to develop the one of his/her choice. The use of one side of a 4x6 notecard is permitted.
Impromptu is a presentation in which the contestant is given 3 minutes to develop a 3-5 minute speech based upon a cartoon or quote.
Memorized Public Address is a speech based upon the oration of a notable figure, memorized and analyzed by the competitor. No more than 20% of the 10 minute presentation may be quoted material.
Humerous Oral Interpretation is the presentation of published prose or poetry carrying a humerous theme. Contestants hold a copy of the piece, and may not release their hands to gesticulate nor move their feet; any other movement of the body is permitted. A 10 minute time limit is imposed.
Serious Oral Interpretation is essentially the same as HOI, excepting the difference in theme.
Duo Oral Interpretation is a presentation of literature of any theme by two teammates.
Note: only available in the AA division.
Original Oratory is a competition of persuasive speaking; participants prepare and memorize an original speech which they may use for the duration of the Season. No more than 10% quoted material is allowed. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes; there is no minimum.
DRAMA
Humerous Duo Acting is the presentation of either published or self-written drama with a humerous theme by a team of two. Props and costumes are used. There is a 12 minute time limit.
Serious Duo Acting follow the same rules and practices as Humerous Duo, excepting that the theme is to be serious in nature.
Classical Duo Acting follows the same rules and practices as Humerous Duo, excepting that the piece is to be classical literature written prior to 1900.
Humerous Solo is the presentation of either a published or self written drama with a Humerous theme by an individual. Props and costumes are used. There is a 10 minute time limit.
Serious Solo follows the same rules and practices as Humerous Solo, excepting that the theme is to be serious in nature.
Pantomime is the presentation of a story without vocalization or props. Face paints are permitted. Maximum time limit is 6 minutes.