Flowing & Cross-Examination Lincoln-Douglas Debate

Flowing Flowing is simply the process of taking short-hand notes. Flowing is incredibly important in debate for a number of reasons: It is a record of arguments, it is a manner of organization, and it keeps you for dropping/ignoring points that are implied as conceded.

Over time, you will create your own short hand that you will be able to understand Usually note definitions, unless you can use it against them Write down the Value and Value Criterion as V and VC Only need to note what they are, again no definitions unless relevant

You won’t be able to write down everything word for word, so write contention tagline (the first sentence that summarizes their point) Include taglines of sub-contentions, specific stats you think are relevant, examples used, etc. Draw an arrow from what they say to the next column and write down why what they said was wrong with evidence from your own case/rebuttals

Affirmative Flow Sheet Set your paper lengthwise and draw 5 dividers in the following pattern for the affirmative sheet 1AC 1NR 1AR 2NR 2AR Value: Write Aff case here Criterion: Cont1: Cont2: Cont3: What Neg says to undermine Aff value What Neg says to refute Aff contention  What Aff says when they defend their case  What Neg says to refute their case again  

Negative Flow Sheet Set your paper lengthwise and draw 4 dividers in the following pattern for the negative sheet 1NC 1AR 1NR 2AR Value: Write Neg case here Criterion: Cont1: Cont2: Cont3: Write down what Aff says about Neg case Neg’s defense of their own case  

You MUST pre-flow, meaning you fill out the constructive section of whichever side of the debate you’re on. Reminder: You don’t have to flow during CX and it doesn’t count towards who wins the debate! Clarify anything you may have missed, but use CX to move the debate forward.

Cross-Examination Cross-x presents an opportunity to fulfill 3 objectives: Clarify certain aspects of the opponent's case. Expose weaknesses in the opponent's case. Build one's own case.

Cross-Examination Ask questions your opponent's case hasn’t addressed- you don’t want to give them opportunity to extend their case Don’t ask questions directly but guide the opponent into giving the answer you want to hear by asking in an indirect way Don’t focus on a single point A common mistake is to nitpick some point which in the end may prove insignificant, especially if the opponent drops it or kicks out of it.

Cross-Examination Things to Avoid: Don’t be rude or overly aggressive, but don’t allow the opponent to dominate the time by filibustering or over-explaining C-X is not speech time - some opponents will try to extend their cases. Interrupt with "thank-you" and ask your next question If the opponent continues to speak, the opponent will appear rude. Conversely, if you are being questioned, you may want to use the time to build your own case whenever possible

Cross-Examination Things to Avoid: Cross-x is not a good time to introduce new claims, evidence or contentions but this often happens and those claims are argued throughout the rest of the debate Always remember who is supposed to be asking the questions When you are being questioned, if you find time to extend case, do it Never agree with your opponent unless you are absolutely certain your agreement can not be used against you

Cross-Examination

Flowing & Cross-Examination Resolved: Compulsory inclusion of non-felons' DNA in any government database is unjust. (1:40-7:45)

Rebuttals Practice Resolved: Adolescents ought to have the right to make autonomous medical choices. What can the affirmative use in their constructive? How can the negative refute this? What can the negative use in their constructive? How can the affirmative refute this?