Richard Green runs a Speech and Debate Club in Tennessee. His specialty- Lincoln Douglas Debate. This summer he tackled the NCFCA resolution and ran a summer debate camp. Here’s his approach any time he tackles a new resolution…
A group of random words on a page. That is how the Lincoln-Douglas debate seems to start every year.
Then comes the inevitable and daunting thought:
What does it mean, and how do I even begin?
How does one take an abstract thought and turn it into something that can not only be explained but debated? How does one become resolved? I find the simplest approach to be the easiest way to begin any LD debate resolution. Take your time and bite it off in small pieces. Remember that with every resolution, there is no right answer; there are just two opposing views attempting to get to the same answer together, all established through a well-reasoned opinion. So, how do we get there?
The first thing I like to do is define and come to an initial understanding of what the thoughts are that we are debating. Looking at this year’s NCFCA resolution:
Resolved: Rationalism ought to be valued above empiricism.
I begin by defining a working definition of rationalism and empiricism. A tip here is to not go down the rabbit hole of philosophy. In the instance of the NCFCA resolution, I would suggest using the white pages to begin an initial understanding. Save the research until you have a working knowledge of what you are discussing. It is important to have a generalized framework to set boundaries and a foundation from which to begin.
Tip: Debates are never won by finding a perfect definition. They are won by your ability to defend your arguments.
Next, ask yourself who this is impacting. In debate, we call this the “actor.” If we are discussing how people learn, then we are also potentially debating how people teach or influence thought. The potential here can begin with the actors being students, scientists, government officials, and the media. By establishing the actor, you start to refine the boundaries of what we are discussing. You bring the scope of what you are researching and writing down to a manageable level. This is not to say that your case will not evolve; this simply gives you a launching point.
Lastly, develop a story. Provide context and make it concrete. Providing an example helps with communicating an idea in a way that makes it relatable to the listener. It also provides a narrative that makes you stay within boundaries in the early stages of developing your constructive. I may tell a story of how I never truly understood or learned what LD debate was until I went to an actual tournament. My parents, coaches, and peers all tried to teach me how it all works. However, I never truly understood it until I went through all six rounds. What side of the resolution would this be on?
Now the challenge… You have:
Definitions
Actor
Application/Context
It is time to establish what your value is and get your supporting evidence (backup). Remember again, cases are rarely won in the constructive. Get a case going and move on to your refutation. Do not let perfection get in the way of progress. Start writing now, seek out critical feedback, and practice. Above all else, have fun with it.
Remember, Lasting Impact! has also created their LD Guide to help assist students and coaches alike! Check out the SHOP, and see our Debate Resources.