Intro to Lincoln Douglas Delane Botte (2015-2017 LD Captain)

Introduction In 1858, Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas had a series of debates regarding slavery. The way in which they debated this topic was unlike anything previously done, and led to a new style of debate. Today, LD is similar to Presidential and other political debates, making it familiar to debaters and mommy judges alike. Out of every debate event in the Golden Desert, it is the most “natural”, meaning we center our arguments around logics and morals rather than strategy.

Basic Vocabulary Resolution- the topic you are debating Case- the formative document of your ideas/arguments on the resolution Contention- one condensed argument. 3-4 make up a case Affirmative- the side that agrees with the resolution Negation- disagree or opposes with the resolution Opponent- the person you are debating Round- the actual debate between you and an opponent Breaks- when the tournament posts who advances to the next level of competition

What is a round? Timing of Rounds 1 AC- 6 min CX- 3 min 1 NC- 7 min 1 AR- 4 min 1 NR -6 min 2 AR- 3 min Affirmative Constructive, Aff reads their case without going over 6 minutes Negative Constructive, Neg reads their case (should be about 4-5 minutes long) and spends the rest of their time rebutting their opponent Aff rebuttal, Aff attacks the Neg’s case Last Affirmative rebuttal, sum up the round and show why Aff wins First round of cross-examination. The Neg asks the Aff questions, the Aff cannot ask questions back Second round of cx. Aff asks Neg questions Negative rebuttal, extend Neg arguments and sum up why this side should win

Values A value is the most important part of an LD round. I describe it as your foundation, kind of like when building a house. You have to set the framework for your arguments around one core concept. This concept is the reason, lens, and almost the motivator for your contentions, and is often what an LD round is about! Traditional debaters use the term “values debate” because at the end of the round, what the argument boils down to which opponent upholds their ideology (value) better.

What’s the point? Lincoln Douglas Debate is focused around morality. We write about real, relevant issues that impact the world around us in order to encourage a more humane approach. I hope you all put in efforts to relate to and understand each resolution; doing so will make you a worldly and sympathetic person. In argumentation, LDers utilize evidence and examples, but should focus more on morality and ethics. Ask yourself why and push to find the reason behind things. Make compelling, unique, and ethical arguments while still remaining realistic in order to stay true to this art!

GOOD LUCK YOU AWESOME PEOPLE Debate was my life for three years. It changed who I am and introduced me to all of my best friends. Symmonds is a great resource, use his help and treat him with respect. Also, I trust that whomever your captains may be, they will be rockin, and will be there every step of the way. Congrats on choosing to be a part of something incredible, and although it is overwhelming, you can do it! PS- Sorry there wasn’t any cool pictures in this powerpoint. So, here’s a cool cat 😘