Beginner Course

Beginner course plan

Lesson 1 (2.5 hours)

Fundamentals of Debate

Format - World Schools

What each speech looks like

What is a tournament, what you can expect

Motions - what they look like - what is a motion? What is what in a motion? Why are certain motions chosen?

What is FIAT? Basic overview

Judging standard discussed (reasonably educated person)

Flowing - how to, using a computer or using paper

Timekeeping

Debate

Lesson 2 (2.5 hours)

Basic argument structure - labeling, assertion, brief impact, analysis, mechanization, impacts, weighing/comparative

Basic rebuttal structure - refutation, analysis, solvency vs incentivization, even if statements

T.T.U.L.I.I.P mnemonic (threshold, turn, uniquenes, link, internal link, impact, propensity)

Rebuttal structure - review

Rebuttal game

(FIAT, broadly)

Debate

Lesson 3 (2.5 hours)

Definitions - how and when definitions should be offered, how to contest a definition

Characterization and framing, how one can win through framing/characterization 

alone

Rebuttal game (playing)

Debate

Lesson 4 (2.5 hours)

Rebuttal game (playing)

Basics of motion analysis - type of motion, keywords to focus on

Review of types of motions (fact, value, policy, actor)

How to come up with a compelling story

Strategy and weighing basics

debate

Lesson 5 (2.5 hours)

Basics of continuous self improvement, how to track areas that need improvement, networking, 'stealing' best practices

Public speaking basics - pauses, projection, resonance, eye contact, breathing

How to: first speeches, deputy speeches, member speeches, whip speeches, reply speeches

POIs - what not to do

Importance of engagement

Counter-models as a strategy on Opp

Debate