This document provides guidance on how to approach a debate as a theatrical performance with different roles. It outlines the structure as a 3 act play with construction and cross-examination in Act 1, rebuttal in Act 2, and rejoinder in Act 3. Each role is described, including tips for success. General advice is given around rehearsal, body language, vocal delivery, and avoiding common pitfalls. The overall message is that debate requires preparation, rehearsal, and embracing the performance aspects of each role.

1. Debate Skills:
It’s Pure Theatre

2. Goals:
 Review qualities of each role in the debate:
 Constructor
 Cross Examiner
 Rebutter
 Rejoinder
 Learn general debate skills.
 Collaborate with your team to assign roles.
 Clarify your understanding of your role.

3. The Debate: “A Play in 3 Acts”
Act 1: Construction/Cross Ex
~Intermission
Act 2: Rebuttal
Act 3:Rejoinder

4. Act 1: The Construction (3 + 3 minutes)
 In this act, the performer sets the tone
for the argument and tells the “story” of
your team’s position.
 S/he makes a connection with the
audience with EYE CONTACT. There’s
a smile and confident, relaxed body
language.
 S/he owns the Grabber—uses
questions and surprising facts
effectively to open.
 The Construction makes sure the
THESIS is crystal clear!

5. Act 1: The Construction
Tips for Construction Success…
 Eye contact, confidence, and high energy are important!
 Practice for the CROSS-EXAMINATION!!
 Use “Practical Theatricals…(a.k.a. Rhetorical Devices)
 Repetition
 Rhetorical questions
 Emphasis with Alliteration
 Prompts: “This is Important”
 Cues: “This is our Thesis” and “Our arguments are…”
 Be sure to give Author credibility information and Sponsor.
 Make your position emotionally compelling and persuasive.

6. Act 1: Enter the Cross Ex (3 minutes)
 The drama builds as the Cross Examiner
challenges the opening remarks.
 Asks questions ONLY based on opening remarks.
 Avoids Yes/No questions.
 Has enough questions to fill….3 minutes!
 Ignores the audience: Eyes on his/her target.
 May use facts to lead into a question, but not
required.

7. Act 1: Enter the Cross Ex
Tips for Cross Examination Success…
 Before the debate, create a flow chart:
 Anticipate your opponents’ arguments.
 Formulate strong counter-arguments.
 Create questions that reveal these arguments
and/or expose the other team’s weaknesses.
 During the Construction, take notes on the other
team’s arguments so that you can address only
those points.
 During your Cross-Ex, maintain control; don’t let
your opponent steal your time.

8. Act 2: The Rebuttal (3 minutes)
 Curtain Opens on your most
Active Listener.
 S/he figures out the angle to counter
the opposition.
 Bam! The Rebutter is especially good
with using facts to cancel what the
other team has said.
 S/he earns points by using the better
information.
Eye Contact with Audience/Judges
is important!

9. Act 2: The Rebuttal
Tips for Rebuttal Success…
 Take Notes during the other team’s Construction and both Cross
Ex’s
 Number the opposing points as you hear them. This will help you be
complete and organized.
 Refute them in order of importance to your own side of the
argument.
 Use Quotes to support your counter-arguments.
 Be prepared with many Strong Quotes!
Avoid…
• Personal attacks
• like-like-like-like-like
• Using “I” instead of “We”
• Claims without support (quotes).

10. Act 3: The Rejoinder (3 minutes)
 Curtain rises on your most persuasive teammate.
 A successful debate tells a story, starting with the Constructor.
 The Rejoinder retells the story in a clear, easy-to-follow way.
 The Rejoinder makes sure that any remaining “holes in the
dam” are patched.
 The Rejoinder “completes” the argument.
Be Confident…Be Clear…Be Conclusive
Command Attention!

11. Act 3: The Rejoinder
Tips for Rejoinder Success…
 Articulate your arguments decisively.
 Evidence is key! Use quotes that prove your arguments.
(These should be different from the Constructor’s
quotes, but same arguments).
 Address at least two of the other team’s arguments.
Explain clearly, by calmly, why their arguments are not
valid and why your arguments are (with Quotes).
 Make a connection with the Construction’s message.
 End with a compelling closer!

12. Central Casting: Grooming
You are the message.
 I say “Good Grooming.”
 You say…..

13. Central Casting: Vocal Coach
 Emphasize the last word of every sentence.
 Enunciate (speak slower than you think necessary).
 Short, direct sentences are memorable.
 “Have it your way!”
 “Got Milk?”
 “I have a dream.”
 Debate requires the use of Academic English.
No slang No like-like No rants/rambles

14. Central Casting: Demeanor Director
Body Language is Important

Always stand to talk.
 Pay quiet attention to teammates
when they talk.
 Avoid the slump/slouch.
 Avoid the fidget.

15. 3 Minutes Can Feel Like Forever!
 Is about 500 words
 How long it takes to run ¼ to
½ mile.
 6 TV commercials
 Microwave setting for soup.
REHEARSE YOUR TIME!!!!

16. 5 Easy Ways to Play to Poor Reviews
1. Poor eye contact
2. Not Prepared
3. Low Energy
4. Stiff or Nervous
5. Boring Message

17. Last Point: Rehearse!
Rehearse 3 times from start to finish.
There are no secrets to success.
It is the result of preparation, hard work, and
learning from failure.
Colin Powell

18. Finis