Mr. Baumann
D&D
FORMAL DEBATES
Lesson #3
FIRST CONSTRUCTIVE
#1) Introduction
- Must grab the attention of the audience ~ Something Creative and Unique
- This “grabber” could be:
o a quotation
o a historical example
o an anecdote
o a question to the audience
- After the “grabber,” state the proposition (word for word) and what side you are on
#2) Define Key Terms
- Go through your proposition and pick out the key words in it
- Get real definitions of those words from a credible source
- Make sure that you say what that credible source is
- Find the definitions that play to the strength of your case
- Don’t define every single word, just the ones you have to
#3) State your Value Criteria
- Provide detailed reasoning behind your position
- Make sure your criteria works with the definitions you just presented
- Spend an ample amount of time on this part of the speech
o Remember that your opponent has the option of ripping this apart if you fail to do
a suitable job of explaining it
- Make sure your values are clearly stated
#4) Preview of what’s to come
- Your side should have three major arguments
- At this point, you should give a breif preview of each argument
o Start by saying that you will be giving the first one
o Then mention your teammate and the two arguments he or she will be presenting
- Say something in regards to how each one will prove your case
#5) Go Into Your First Main Argument
- Reintroduce your first main argument
- Make sure your argument is well-founded
- Know what you are talking about
- Don’t do an improv routine (I can usually tell)
- Find the just the right amount of material to present (the three bears rule)
- Make sure you bring closure to your topic
#6 Conclusion
- Even though it’s not the end of the debate, it is the end of your speech and you have to
provide closure
- Make sure you reitorate the main points of your speech
- Tell the audience that there is more to come
- “Thank You.”