Policy Debate

Policy Debate is a competitive format where two-person teams debate a national resolution, the affirmative team proposing a specific plan and the negative team arguing against it. Debaters research, write, and argue using evidence from an annual resolution. Key skills tested include research, strategic thinking, listening, organization, and clear speaking. 

What is Policy Debate?

• The Resolution: The central topic for policy debate changes annually and is known as the "resolution." 

• The Teams: Debaters work in teams of two. 

• The Roles: One team is the affirmative, which proposes a plan to implement the resolution. The other is the negative team, which opposes the plan. 

What Skills are Involved?

• Research: Debaters must thoroughly research the topic to find and use high-quality evidence. 

• Analysis: They need to analyze the resolution and develop strategic arguments. 

• Teamwork: Working in teams of two requires coordination and shared responsibility. 

• Strategic Thinking: Debaters must think strategically about how to present their case and respond to the opposing team. 

• Listening and Note-Taking: Strong listening skills are crucial for "flowing" (taking notes on) the debate and preparing responsive arguments. 

• Organization: Organizing arguments and notes efficiently is vital for a successful presentation. 

• Speaking: Clarity of presentation and command of the audience are essential for winning debates. 

How a Policy Debate Works 

• Constructive Speeches: Debaters give speeches to build their arguments.

• Rebuttal Speeches: Later, they give speeches to defend their arguments and attack the opposing side's points.

• Cross-Examination: After each constructive speech, a period is allotted for one speaker to ask questions and the other to answer.

• Speaking Order: The Oregon Style of debating is used, as follows:

  1. First Affirmative Constructive Speech (8 minutes)

  2. Cross-examined by the Second Negative (3 minutes)

  3. First Negative Constructive Speech (8 minutes)

  4. Cross-examined by the First Affirmative (3 minutes)

  5. Second Affirmative Constructive Speech (8 minutes)

  6. Cross-examined by the First Negative (3 minutes)

  7. Second Negative Constructive Speech (8 minutes)

  8. Cross-examined by the Second Affirmative

  9. First Negative Rebuttal (5 minutes)

  10. First Affirmative Rebuttal (5 minutes)

  11. Second Negative Rebuttal (5 minutes)

  12. Second Affirmative Rebuttal (5 minutes)

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