How to Learn Lincoln-Douglas Debate
Lincoln-Douglas Debate is a one-on-one forensic competition format modeled after historic debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas. Learn how to participate.
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Hit the books more effectively -- and get more A's -- with these study tips.
You Will Need
- A forensic competition
- Research
- An opponent
- Extensive research
- 3-by-5 index cards
- Pens or pencils
- A legal pad
Steps
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Step 1
Pick affirmative or Negative side on given issue
Choose the affirmative or negative side of a given topic.
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A Lincoln-Douglas format is a debate judged on the moral validity of one ideal over an opposing ideal. Other debate formats are judged on the more practical application of a debate position.
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Step 2
Research the topic and prep resource citation cards
Research your stance. Write notes with source citations on 3-by-5 index cards, to be used as evidence during the debate.
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Step 3
Prepare an L-D Debate flow sheet
Use a legal pad held horizontally to create a Lincoln-Douglas Debate flow sheet. Divide the page or pages into seven sections, one for each round of the debate.
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Before participating in the debate, fill in your side's evidence points in the appropriate sections on the flow sheet. Leave the opponent's sections empty for note-taking during the debate.
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Step 4
Affirmative states resolution with evidence
State your position clearly and support it with three or more facts during the opening round if you're affirmative.
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Step 5
Negative cross-examines opponent
Aim your questions at your opponent's opening statement with a strategy that points out flaws and negative implications of your opponent's position if you're negative.
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Step 6
Negative participant presents opposing statement
Present your opposing statement clearly with supporting facts during the opening round if you're negative.
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Step 7
Affirmative cross-examines opponent
Cross-examine the opponent's negative position if you're affirmative.
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Cross-examination rounds in Lincoln-Douglas format debates typically have three-minute time limits.
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Step 8
Affirmative makes rebuttal speech
Make a rebuttal speech if you're affirmative. This four-minute rebuttal round will serve to rebuild your case.
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Step 9
Negative makes rebuttal speech
Make your rebuttal speech if you're negative. The negative rebuttal round has a six- or seven-minute time limit.
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Step 10
Affirmative states final case
State your final case in a three- or four-minute rebuttal of your opponent's negative position if you're affirmative.
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Senator Hillary Clinton challenged Senator Barack Obama to a Lincoln-Douglas format debate during the 2008 Democratic presidential primaries.
