How to Flow And why you should do it – always, all the time, in every round

Necessary supplies

Necessary Supplies

FAQ: But Why Can’t I Flow On My Laptop?  Because you’re probably paperless – and you can’t flow and prep a speech on your laptop at the same time  Because it limits the amount of a flow you can see at one time  Because you can’t spread out laptop flows to look at the whole round at once

FAQ: What should my flows look like?

FAQ: What if I’m Lefty? Some lefty’s flow normal… …but some choose to flow right to left

Why?  If you flow normally as a lefty, you cover up what has already happened in a debate as you move from speech to speech

Cons  I always forget.  It may be easier to plan space for your rebuttal if you flow normal instead of goofy.

Puppy Break

Sloth Break

Why is this line there?

Why isn’t it here?  Why don’t these 2AC arguments have a line under them? The arguments were: No internal link – link ev isn’t reverse causal Welfare negates the benefits of reform The internal link ev is about portions of immigration reform that won’t pass regardless (remember Peyton talking about this in cx?)

See the line?  Why is there a line to the left of “env not destructable” and “no extinction from env collapse”  NOTE: remember that this is our “goofy” flow - the 2AC is to the LEFT of the 1NC

Why all the white space in the top right corner? This is our politics (immigration reform) flow from last night. This is my back page – it starts with 2AC #6, executive licensing shields the link. It also includes 2AC 7 – PC wrong/WW – Hirsch, and 2AC 8 – no ev that obama pushes so PC not key

What are your questions about flowing?

Fun Fact: debaters flip paper vertical, not horizontal How to flip a flow How to turn pages in a book

Let’s Practice!

The Greatest Flowing Advice You’ll Ever Receive (AKA The “Alwayses of Flowing”)  Always always always flow  Always always always save your flows  Always take notes on judge decisions (I prefer to type mine, so I can easily find them when that person judges me again)  Always flow every speech  Always flow your partners speeches  Always have extra pens and oodles of paper

The Nevers of Flowing  There’s one big one: Never give up and stop flowing – no excuses

Advanced Flowing Tips You know how to flow – what should you do in round? Please note – a lot of this is things to make you more efficient. Novices should just always flow and worry about adding extras in later.

During the 1AC Aff  1AC is speaking  Both 2A and 1A should have flowed the 1ac before the round (I always just write down the author names in case I forget them on the spot during my 2ac)  2A should be working on 2ACs to expected 1NC arguments. If those are doe, work on your 2ar overview. Neg  1N should be flowing and making sure that the 1NC you’ve made answers every impact they read.  2N should be flowing and reading their cards/working on what to ask about in crossx.

During the 1NC Aff  1A should be flowing and thinking about crossx questions  2A should be copying blocks (tilde!) into the speech doc as the neg switches off case positions, and working on answering positions you may not have answers to. As soon as the 1N gets to the case debate, you should ONLY be flowing – dropping case args can be devastating. Neg  1N should be speaking. When you sit down, label your off case flows and then backflow the case arguments you made, if time allows.  2N should already know what the off case position cards say (here’s another place where flowing authors/ques can help for your next speech) and may start working on the 2NC (while also flowing).

During the 2AC Aff  1A – should be flowing. A detailed 2AC flow is really helpful.  2A should be speaking. After sitting down I sometimes backflow my arguments, as time permits. Neg  1N – should be flowing all of the positions. Take extra note of theory arguments – if the 2n doesn’t answer these, that makes it your job.  2N – should be flowing and preparing the 2NC. Pay extra attention to positions you’re taking.

During the Negative Block 1A  Has some options  1: flow everything  2: “shadow flow” – write down your answers as the neg speakers are giving their speeches – this saves prep and helps you group the debate, but it takes practice  3: I’m not sure, there are probably other ways people do it. 2A  Should be flowing. During the 2nc, think about your cross-x. But mostly flow.

During the Negative Block 2N  During the 2NC, give your speech.  During the 1NR, flow the 1NR. It’s hard to give a 2NR on what the 1NR says if you don’t know what that is 1N  During the 2NC, DON’T flow the 2NC!  WHAT?  1Ns should never flow the block. Focus on prepping the sickest speech you’ve ever given because you’ve got oodles of prep time – just remember to keep an ear out for if the 2N drops an important argument they were supposed to take(IE Condo)

During the 1AR Aff  1A is speaking  2A is flowing and prepping for the 2ar Neg  1N is flowing  2N is flowing and prepping for the 2NR. The 1AR often shapes 2NR strategic choices by where they use trickery and good strategy and where they make mistakes, so its important to know what the 1AR said.

During the 2NR Aff  1A is flowing  2A is flowing, but also prepping the 2AR. You should be thinking about what you need to win to win the debate, and what they need to win to do the same. Neg  1N is FLOWING. 1Ns who clock out after the 1NR are slackers. Flow. Every. Speech. (see the Alwayses)  2N is speaking.

During the 2Ar  The 2A is speaking  Everyone else is FLOWING. If you don’t flow, you’re obnoxious. If you don’t flow and then fight with a judge or tell your coach you shouldn’t have lost you are extra obnoxious. ALWAYS flow. NEVER stop flowing. Flowing is great.

WE LOVE FLOWING!!!