Cross Examination

Coming Up With Questions When you’re listening to your opponent’s speeches, it can be tempting to focus only on jotting down rebuttals, but cross ex comes sooner, so make sure you’re writing down possible questions! Usually, one really good question goes a long way if you can trip up your opponent.

Coming Up With Questions If you have trouble thinking of them, ask yourself these questions: – 1. Did they say something problematic? – 2. Did they make an overgeneralizations? – 3. If they aren’t the first speaker, did they fail to rebut one of your points?

Asking the Questions Start with the most important issue. 3 minutes isn’t as long as it seems and you probably won’t get to all your questions. Coordinate with your partner. If they’re being tedious or over-aggressive, ask them quietly if you can ask a question. Don’t let them over-talk: you have to remain civil, but don’t let your opponent turn cross-ex into extra time to explain their case. – Once you get an answer, cut them short with “Okay thank you,” or “In the interest of time, we are going to move on” – BUT DON’T always cut them off right after “Yes” or “No” – If your opponent concedes a point but then goes off on a long tangent, make sure to ask them a question to bring them back o the point they conceded

Asking the Questions Try to think of a chain reaction that supports your case Ask the opponent one question with an obvious answer, and keep asking questions to further that point and show the chain reaction Then, they will have no choice but to agree with your original point!

Answering the Questions Don’t avoid questions! You can definitely redirect a question to fit your case, but make sure you answer it first. SMALL Concessions are key! You don’t have to disagree with everything that your opponent says. Partial concessions on cross-ex or in rebuttals can actually make your argument more credible. If you do make a concession, make sure you concisely explain how it fits to your case

Answering the Questions If your opponent is being rude or super intense, don’t let it get to you. If they keep cutting you off, don’t try the concession, because you won’t be able to defend be able to explain yourself.

Final Thoughts Don’t forget what your opponent says on cross-ex. This is when they’re most likely to trip up. If they say something against their case, write it down and use it in a rebuttal or a future cross-ex! Good luck!