Purpose
What is the main goal of a debate?
To convince the judge or audience that your argument is stronger using logic, evidence, and delivery.
What comes first in a SPAR speech?
A clear claim or main point (ex: “I believe school should be online”).
What does “P” in PVLEGS stand for
Poise
What is the definition of AFF and Neg
Affirmation/affirmative- the affirmation will affirm, or agree with the topic. Their job is to prove why the topic is true.
Negation/negative- the negation will negate, or disagree with the topic. Their job is to prove why the topic is not true.
What’s the silliest but still logical debate topic you can think of?
Silly as possible
Why is it important to understand your opponent’s argument?
So you can respond directly, refute their points, and prove why your argument is better.
Name 3 parts of a debate speech in order.
Claim, reasoning/evidence, impact (can also accept: intro, body, conclusion).
What is Pathos Ethos and Logos
Pathos=emotion/passion
Ethos=Ethics
Logos=Logic
What is a rebuttal?
Dictionary.com defines rebuttal as an opposing argument that uses the presentation of evidence and reasoning meant to undermine or weaken an opponent’s claim
In other words, this is your chance to explain why your opponent is wrong! (*evil laugh*)
Do a 10-second fake commercial using debate vocabulary.
Give points for including terms like “claim,” “evidence,” “impact,” or “rebuttal.”
In debate, what’s more important: truth or persuasion? Explain why.
Persuasion. Even if you’re right, you have to explain it in a clear, convincing way to win a debate
What’s the job of the judge during prep time?
To write down the topic, get their flow sheet ready, and think about what strong arguments might sound like.
What does “G” in PVLEGS stand for? Show it.
Gestures
What is the definition of SPAR?
Spontaneous: performed without preparation or rehearsal.
Argumentation: the process of reasoning in support of an idea, action, or theory
Give a silly example of a "therefore" statement
Therefore, dogs should get paid for being emotional support animals.”
Why do we debate topics we don’t agree with?
To build critical thinking, learn to argue both sides, and improve communication skills.
What’s the format of a SPAR round
2 minutes prep
1 minute constructive speeches
2 minute cross
1 minute rebuttal
1 minute rebuttal
What is the structure of a Rebuttal?
They Said
I say
Because
Therefore
What is “impact”? Why does it matter?
The impact explains why your argument matters or what the result is if your side wins. It shows importance.
Give a terrible argument — and then fix it using the 4-step rebuttal model.
Terrible: “Phones are just bad.”
Rebuttal:
They say: “Phones are bad.”
We say: “Phones can be helpful.”
Because: “They’re useful for emergencies.”
Therefore: “We should teach balance, not ban phones.”
Convince the judge you won the debate using only your voice tone.
This is a performance challenge
Draw a debate “flow” on the whiteboard.
Aff vs. Neg), space for claims, rebuttals, and impacts.
Use PVLEGS to sell something boring (like a paperclip).
Performance challenge
Use “rebuttal,” “impact,” “ethos,” and “evidence” in a sentence.
“In my rebuttal, I used evidence and ethos to prove my point, and ended with a strong impact.”
You just lost a debate — convince the judge to still give you the win.
Performance