Just like video games…

Debate has a meta! These notes will cover best practices that will teach you the difference between making and argument, and winning an argument.

Start with the 2NR/2AR 🏁

The 2AR / 2NR is the most reduced form of your arguments, start with the arguments you want to win and work backwards to the 1AC when building out how you want it to flow.

Judge Adaptation 🧑‍⚖️

On a national circuit, this is mostly about what judges prefer what arguments. Some don’t like kritiks, some prefer focusing on the alternative, some prefer framework.

Coaching expertise 🎢

If your coach doesn’t know anything about a theory you want to run, you need to find someone who does, since checking your arguments will be key before going for them. Some coaches may also know more than they actually do, so take everything with a grain of salt.

Research requirements 🔎

Politics disadvantages require a lot of work, from current politics, to theory, to how the government works, so unless you have a team of people who are willing to work on the same arguments you shouldn’t rely on it.

AFF Strategy

What do you want to go for? 🎯

This doesn’t necessarily mean the logically best argument, just the ones you feel the best at making, the off case angles you feel comfortable answering, but avoid having two easily impact turned advantages

Consider core negative positions

Constructing the 1AC