FLOWING!
(AND FILING BASICS)
Filing basics
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Many new debaters lose debates because they
have misplaced parts of their files. Following
these simple rules will really help:
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Treat your files with respect. Do not lose pages.
Keep files together in a box.
One file, one index = one folder.
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NEVER divide a file up into multiple small parts.
Indexes are your key for finding things. You need to keep
all pages listed on the index WITH the index.
Simple manila folders are best. Hanging folders are a pain
and accordion files are not needed until you reach JV on the
High School team.
Why is FLOWING so important?
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Silence is consent.
Refutation is the key to winning.
Judges expect it!
Ever single debater I have ever coached had
to learn to flow before they really “got it.”
Proper supplies:
Every debater should have:
 Professional looking outfit
 Timer
 Legal length paper
 Good pens
 Organized file box
Banned:
 Flowing on notebook paper
 Flowing with pencil or gel pen or anything else
bright or light
Good flow rules
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One piece of paper for each position
Pre-marked columns for each speech
Everyone flows every speech (except 1NR
can prep during 2NC)
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Stay seated
Pull evidence during prep time
NO LONG HAND SENTENCES EVER!
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You can write things out long hand before
debates but never in debates—only debate from
your flow
What does a good flow look like?
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It is a grid.
All 8 speeches are represented (7 technically, assuming
that the 2NC and 1NR are smart and do not bother to
repeat each other).
Let’s all make sample flows. Fold your paper the long
way 3 times so that you end up with 8 columns. Label
each column with the names of the speeches in order.
Get a pen handy, as we go through the rest of the power
point I will give speeches where I list words, phrases, or
whole arguments related to the topic and you will try to
list as much as you can.
How can I get it all down?
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Abbreviations
Symbols
Main idea only (tag)
Practice
Let’s try a list of topic words…
Never give up!
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Not flowing is forfeiting the debate against a
competent opponent.
If you miss something, leave a space:
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Fill it in during CX
Ask your partner
Look at their evidence
What if the other team does not flow?
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Let’s try a list of phrases…
It can be harder to follow a disorganized
speech.
If that happens, write everything down in a
column and tell the judge that you will
respond to the points in the order that they
made them. You will look awesome in
comparison to the non-flow team and the
judges will reward your effort.
Stay organized when speaking!
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Give the judge a road map… put your flows
in order and stick to it!
Follow the order of the points by number and
tag. Let’s try flowing a list of cards…
What else can your flow do for you?
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Helps you to scout opponents!
Helps you to track your performance—
after each debate, fold your flow in half
and write the following on the outside:
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Round #
Opponent
What each side ran
If you won or lost
Judge comments (Critical! Do not pack up, do
not walk around--sit, listen, and write)
Flowing—TRUE or FALSE
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
It is only OK to write out arguments long hand
for rebuttals.
Both people on the team need to flow every
speech (except the 1NR can prep during the
2NC).
It is a good idea to put the DA flow on the back
of the case flow.
If you forget to respond to a negative argument
in the 2AC, you can make up for it by
responding in the 1AR and 2AR.
It is important to number arguments on your
flow.
Flowing—TRUE or FALSE
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
You should prepare for your own speeches by
putting what you intend to say down on your
flow.
You can flow in pen or pencil.
The 1AR needs to respond to every single
point made by the negative block (2NC +
1NR).
If you have extra time in the 1NR, it is a good
idea to go back over arguments made by the
2NC.
It is more important to flow evidence than
analytical arguments.
Flowing—TRUE or FALSE
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
It is only OK to write out arguments long hand for rebuttals.
FALSE—always write only on the flow.
Both people on the team need to flow every speech (except the
1NR can prep during the 2NC). TRUE—even if you are done
speaking , keep flowing for practice and to help your partner.
It is a good idea to put the DA flow on the back of the case flow.
FALSE—organization is key and you might need to flip over your
sheet to keep taking notes on one topic.
If you forget to respond to a negative argument in the 2AC, you
can make up for it by responding in the 1AR and 2AR. FALSE—
silence is consent and cannot be brought up later (you can argue
that it is not an important point later but the dropped argument is
treated as true).
It is important to number arguments on your flow. TRUE.
Flowing—TRUE or FALSE
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
You should prepare for your own speeches by putting what
you intend to say down on your flow. TRUE.
You can flow in pen or pencil. FALSE—pen only.
The 1AR needs to respond to every single point made by
the negative block (2NC + 1NR). FALSE—they must
respond to each position but not necessarily every tiny
point.
If you have extra time in the 1NR, it is a good idea to go
back over arguments made by the 2NC. FALSE—divide
arguments well in the block and do not repeat any issues.
It is more important to flow evidence than analytical
arguments. FALSE—both are important.