DEBATE
In Oregon, there are four main competitive debate events. Each develops different skills, from quick thinking to research and argumentation. Here’s a brief overview of what they’re like, how to prepare, and the kinds of topics you’ll tackle:
Parliamentary Debate (Parli)
Format: Team debate with one partner.
Topics: Current events, foreign policy, domestic politics, and sometimes a twist of humor or metaphor.
Preparation: Teams receive their topic 15 minutes before the round and must prepare arguments either for or against.
Skills Developed: Quick thinking, teamwork, and persuasion under pressure.
Why It’s Fun: Every round is different, and the fast-paced, improvisational style keeps you on your toes.
Cross-Examination Debate (CX)
Format: Team debate with a partner.
Topics: Year-long public policy issues.
Preparation: Teams build detailed cases for and against the topic, supported by extensive research. Cases are written at the start of the year and refined throughout the season. Novices receive guidance and pre-approved case areas at first.
Notable: Lincoln is home to 2017 State Champions in CX Debate, including the current CX section captain.
Skills Developed: Research, evidence-based argumentation, strategic planning, and teamwork.
2025–2026 Topic: Resolved: The United States federal government should significantly increase its exploration and/or development of the Arctic.
Lincoln-Douglas Debate (LD)
Format: Individual debate.
Topics: Philosophy, ethics, and values—can be abstract and creative.
Preparation: Cases are prepared in advance. Topics run for two months, giving you time to craft arguments.
Skills Developed: Critical thinking, ethical reasoning, structured argumentation, and independent research.
2026 Topics:
January/February: Resolved: The possession of nuclear weapons is immoral.
March/April: Resolved: The United States military ought to abide by the principle of non-intervention.
Public Forum Debate (PoFo)
Format: Team debate with one partner.
Topics: Big-picture issues in the news, analyzed in shorter speeches. Format inspired by the CNN show Crossfire.
Preparation: Topics run for one month (except the first two months of the season). Research is important, but the focus is on clear, persuasive arguments rather than extreme depth.
Notable: Lincoln is home to 2017 State Champions in Public Forum Debate.
Skills Developed: Communication, teamwork, and explaining complex issues clearly to an audience.
2026 Topics:
February: Resolved: The Federal Trade Commission should establish a federal regulatory framework for sports betting.
March: Resolved: The United States federal government should ban corporate acquisition of single-family residences.
Congressional Debate simulates the U.S. legislative process in the Senate and House of Representatives. Students draft and submit bills and resolutions, then debate them in a large group setting.
Students serve as Senators or Representatives, delivering speeches for and against legislation.
An elected Presiding Officer manages debate using parliamentary procedure.
Competitors are evaluated on research, argumentation, delivery, and effective use of parliamentary rules.
This event builds leadership, public speaking, policy analysis, and procedural knowledge.
Lincoln is home to Oregon’s 2017 Student Congress State Champion.
Speech at Lincoln offers a wide range of individual competitive events. These events develop performance skills, research ability, writing, organization, and spontaneous speaking under pressure. Below is a brief overview of the events we compete in, the preparation involved, and typical time limits.
For full event rules, see the OSAA Speech & Debate Handbook.
These events involve performing published literature. Competitors may not use props and must rely on voice, facial expression, and limited gestures.
Humorous Interpretation (HI)
Perform a comedic cutting from a published source (at least 51 percent dialogue).
Length: 10 minutes
WATCH: 2025 National Finalist.
Dramatic Interpretation (DI)
A serious or dramatic performance of a published work.
Length: 10 minutes
Duo Interpretation (DUO)
Performed with a partner. May be humorous or dramatic.
Length: 10 minutes
WATCH: 2022 National Finalist
Poetry Reading
A thematic program of 3 to 6 poems centered on a chosen theme such as love, family, or identity.
Length: 8 minutes
Prose Reading
A prose selection with more exposition than dialogue. Competitors frequently reference the text during performance.
Length: 8 minutes
Literary Interpretation for English Language Learners (LIELL)
Designed for students enrolled in ELL or ESL courses. This event ensures that non-native English speakers have meaningful access to competition.
Lincoln is home to the 2014, 2015, and 2016 State Champions.
Program Oral Interpretation (POI)
A thematic performance combining selections from two or three genres such as prose, poetry, and drama.
Length: 10 minutes
WATCH: 2023 National Champion
These are original speeches written and revised over time.
After-Dinner Speaking (ADS)
A humorous speech structured like an after-dinner toast, using comedy to explore a serious theme.
Length: 6 minutes
WATCH: 2018 NCFCA National Champion
Expository Speaking
An informative speech with required visual aids. The goal is education, not persuasion.
Length: 8 minutes
Informative Speaking
An original speech designed to explain, define, or illustrate a topic. The primary purpose is to increase audience understanding. Visual aids are optional.
Length: 10 minutes
WATCH: 2025 National Finalist
Oratory
A persuasive speech advocating for change or action, supported by thorough research and structured argumentation.
Length: 10 minutes
WATCH: 2023 National Finalist
Radio Commentary
A seated event modeled after talk radio. Students deliver commentary on a topic of their choice, often connected to current events. Strict time limits are enforced.
Length: 5 minutes
These events emphasize quick thinking and structured delivery with limited preparation time.
Impromptu Speaking
Students receive three prompts and have 30 seconds to choose one and mentally prepare a 5 minute speech.
Length: 5 minutes
Extemporaneous Speaking
Students receive three questions on current domestic or foreign policy. They have 30 minutes to research and prepare a 7 minute evidence-based speech using materials brought to the tournament.
Length: 7 minutes
WATCH: 2022 National Champion
OTHER TYPES OF DEBATE
World Schools Debate (Worlds)
Format: Teams of 3–5 students compete together.
Style: A dynamic international format unlike most debate practiced in the United States.
Topics: A mix of prepared motions (released in advance) and impromptu motions (released shortly before the round).
Structure: Debaters deliver substantive speeches and engage directly with opponents through Points of Information, allowing for real-time interaction during speeches.
World Schools Debate emphasizes clear communication, teamwork, and substantive clash over technical procedural arguments. Because teams must collaborate closely and respond fluidly in the moment, the format rewards strategic coordination, adaptability, and strong content knowledge.
This challenging and fast-paced style develops confident speakers who can think critically, engage respectfully, and argue persuasively on a wide range of global issues.