Lincoln Douglas Outline
Lincoln Douglas Debate Affirmative Case Outline
Before you begin your speech briefly thank the judge and your opponent for providing the opportunity for this important debate.
I. Engage With an Attention-Getter.
The attention-getter is designed to intrigue the audience members and to motivate them to listen attentively for the next several minutes. There are infinite possibilities for attention-getting devices. Some of the more common devices include using a story, a surprising statistic, or a quotation. Whichever you choose, be sure that your attention-getter makes sense to the case and that it is explained.
II. Provide a Resolutional Analysis.
Say the precise wording of the topic so your judge knows exactly what is being debated. Explain what the resolution is asking – most require that you choose between two values (ex. “Resolved: Individuality should be valued above community”), other topics have implied values which require a little more explanation.
III. Offer Definitions.
Clearly define the vital words/phrases in the resolution and cite the dictionary or encyclopedia you used. Make sure the definitions you choose support what you are arguing – definitions matter – sometimes they decide who wins and loses the debate!
IV. Propose a Value.
A value is an ideal held by individuals, societies, or governments that serves as the highest goal to be protected/achieved. In general, the debater will establish a value which focuses the central questions of the resolution and will serve as a foundation for argumentation. Explain how the value relates to the topic.
V. Offer a Criterion.
You should present a criterion (a standard) which should be used to:
▪ Explain how the value should be protected, respected, maximized, or achieved.
▪ Measure whether a given side or argument protects, respects, maximizes, or achieves the value.
The relationship between the value and the criterion should be clearly stated.
VI. Present Contention 1.
Before you begin your speech briefly thank the judge and your opponent for providing the opportunity for this important debate.
I. Engage With an Attention-Getter.
The attention-getter is designed to intrigue the audience members and to motivate them to listen attentively for the next several minutes. There are infinite possibilities for attention-getting devices. Some of the more common devices include using a story, a surprising statistic, or a quotation. Whichever you choose, be sure that your attention-getter makes sense to the case and that it is explained.
II. Provide a Resolutional Analysis.
Say the precise wording of the topic so your judge knows exactly what is being debated. Explain what the resolution is asking – most require that you choose between two values (ex. “Resolved: Individuality should be valued above community”), other topics have implied values which require a little more explanation.
III. Offer Definitions.
Clearly define the vital words/phrases in the resolution and cite the dictionary or encyclopedia you used. Make sure the definitions you choose support what you are arguing – definitions matter – sometimes they decide who wins and loses the debate!
IV. Propose a Value.
A value is an ideal held by individuals, societies, or governments that serves as the highest goal to be protected/achieved. In general, the debater will establish a value which focuses the central questions of the resolution and will serve as a foundation for argumentation. Explain how the value relates to the topic.
V. Offer a Criterion.
You should present a criterion (a standard) which should be used to:
▪ Explain how the value should be protected, respected, maximized, or achieved.
▪ Measure whether a given side or argument protects, respects, maximizes, or achieves the value.
The relationship between the value and the criterion should be clearly stated.
VI. Present Contention 1.