1. Sydney Apple Boston College 2015 Georgia Debate Institutes
The Rebuttal
Sydney Apple
Boston College
2015 Georgia Debate Institutes

2. Why is the rebuttal important?
The rebuttal is the only speech in the round where you have time specifically dedicated to attacking their case: you need to get ahead in your offense so you are not playing catch- up throughout the round.
This makes it the first and most important time to build an interaction between your cases – this is where clash happens
(Apple, 2015)

3. The off-time roadmap Don’t do it. It’s dumb.
There are max two sheets of paper in a round.
(Apple, 2015)

4. Structure of a rebuttal
If you’re first: 4 minutes on their case
Answer moments of weakness in crossfire
Embed your case in your answers
If you’re second: 3 minutes their case, 1 minute answering their rebuttal
Line By Line: you’re answering arguments, not contentions
This is why you can’t just flow general contentions
This avoids confusion if they have a unique case
Layering of arguments: try to give at least 3 answers per argument & make them versatile!
(Apple, 2015)

5. Structure of an answer: “TEN”
They say …
Flow judges – helps them find where you are on the case
Lay judges – indicates that you are answering arguments
Number your responses - trick the judge
Extend – always crossapply your evidence to make sure your cases are interacting
New evidence/arguments – introduce specific evidence
(Apple, 2015)

6. How to extend evidence ALWAYS extend by using the author’s name
This is why it is beneficial to pre-flow your case
NEVER just reread your evidence
Focus on warrants and methodology
Compare your evidence when the two clash – make the arguments interact
(Apple, 2015)

7. Other types of arguments you can make
DEFENSE
OFFENSE
No link - “pro gives no causation as to why simply prioritizing cyberdeterrence will inherently decrease the number of cyberattacks”
No impact – “just saying that the number of attacks is decreased, does not mean that prioritizing cyberdeterrence is in the best interest of the United States.”
No solvency – “con cannot prove that prioritizing cybersecurity will actually lead to the development of sufficient technology to prevent cyberattacks.”
Nonunique – “the con impact can also occur in the pro world – there is no unique reason why cybersecurity specifically must be prioritized.”
Link Turns – “by prioritizing our defensive capabilities, it incentivizes enemies to increase the number of cyberattacks meaning the only way to decrease the quantity of attacks is by creating repercussions.”
Impact Turns – not feasible on this topic, unless you intend to argue that cyberattacks are good.
Practice: “
(Apple, 2015)

8. How to prep for a rebuttal: blocks
Try to compile a list of arguments you expect to hear
Don’t only write out blocks of text – put in new evidence and make notes of extensions to use
The best way to create block is to just talk through them with members of your team
(Apple, 2015)

9. Why the first speakers should care
This will be the basis of most of your arguments in the summary
SO make sure you flow your partner’s rebuttal and get familiar with the answers he/she will give
You, as the first speaker, are in the unique position of being able to evaluate the debate early on so you must decide what the best rebuttal arguments are not only to go for in the summary, but also to help your partner choose what to go for in the final focus.
(Apple, 2015)

10. How to get better Listen to your recorded speeches
Give rebuttal redoes
Practice giving new rebuttals
Watch and flow better debates – learn the techniques they use and the types of arguments they prefer
(Apple, 2015)