Now that you have a clear idea of what the resolution means and have selected reasons for your affirmative case, it is time to move into the structure of a case.
For our purposes, we will focus on the most common case construction: the three-point case. As the names imply, the three-point case has three general arguments presented in a 6-minute format. Not much time for much depth in analysis, examples, or proof.
The affirmative constructive L-D speech is allotted six minutes and traditionally includes these sections (in this order):
1. Introduction
2. Definitions, and clarifications or observations
3. Statement of value premise and criterion
4. Body of the speech (the arguments)
5. Conclusion
An INTRODUCTION should capture the attention of the judge.
1. Can be a quotation relevant to the resolution
2. Something from literature or history
3. A hypothetical example that lends support to the position
4. An analogy that may not be apparent at the beginning of your speech, but will be revealed at the end
5. Not to exceed 30 seconds for the affirmative and 15 for the negative case
DEFINITIONS must be fair!
1. Negative should not contest the definitions in the case unless the affirmative has been very unfair.
2. Negative need not offer definitions if the negative wants to use the affirmative definitions.
3. Be brief. Be fair (don’t choose a definition that is so specific or obscure that the other side has no possibility of meeting it). Be relevant to the resolution.