Debate Terminology 2

Speaker points

A measure of the presentation skills of a debater, including verbal and nonverbal communication.

Ballot

The judges' record of the winner and loser, including speaker points and ranks for speakers 1-4.

Case

The contents of the constructive speeches, outlining the overall arguments made by debaters.

Context

The surrounding information of a quote in an article, which can be challenged by an opponent as being 'out of context'.

Empirical evidence

Information that is supported by a study and scientifically proved; it can be empirically denied.

Impact

The effect of an action or policy, which can be negative or positive; refuting this is called 'impact take-out'.

Impact calculus

The equation of harm versus good used to assess actions like drone strikes, considering magnitude, timeframe, and probability.

Probability

A measure of how likely an event or outcome is, often shown with magnitude to weight significance or size.

Turn

The act of arguing against an opponent's point, reversing their argument to align with one's own side.

Internal link turn

A logical connection within an argument that is challenged or reversed.

New arguments

Prohibitions against introducing new arguments in the last speech or rebuttal, as opponents cannot respond.

Underview

A summary of points at the end of a debate that complements the overview given at the beginning.

Voting issue

A compelling issue in the debate that acts as a guiding principle for one's side, such as freedom, safety, or prosperity.

Final focus

The last speech of the debate, which is short and reiterates apriori issues, advocating why one's side should win.

Press

To challenge an opponent’s point, particularly during the crossfire portion of the debate.

Burden

The requirement to prove a point; the side making a claim or advocating for change has the burden of proof.

Procedural

A foul or an action not allowed in a debate, such as going over the time limit.

Ad hominem

A personal attack on an opponent that diverts attention from the main issue.

Slippery slope

The argument that one small step will lead incrementally to a disastrous conclusion.

Circular argument

A reasoning approach where the reasons restate the argument instead of proving it.

False dichotomy

An argument presenting an either-or choice that misrepresents the situation.

Ad populum/bandwagon

An argument appealing to the desire to belong to a group or popular opinion.

Gaslighting

The act of convincing someone that something obviously true is false or vice versa.

Straw man

The fallacy of setting up a weak version of the opponent's argument to easily debate it.

Sunk cost

The irrational belief that one should continue a venture because of the resources already invested.

Jargon

The use of complicated terminology to confuse and dominate an opponent or audience.