5
Strike a balance between presenting your team's point(s) and rebutting the opponents' point. Since teams take turns debating, it's always possible to offer rebuttals unless you are the first affirmative speaker. Here is a rundown of how both teams might organize their debate strategy:
1st affirmative:
Define the topic (optional) and present the team's main line.
Outline, in brief, what each affirmative speaker will talk about.
Present the first half of the affirmative's argument.
1st negative:
Accept or reject the definition (optional) and present the team's main line.
Outline, in brief, what each negative speaker will talk about.
Offer a rebuttal of a few of the points presented by the first affirmative.
Present the first half of the negative's argument.
2nd affirmative:
Reaffirm the affirmative's main line.
Offer a rebuttal of a few of the points presented by the first negative.
Present the second half of the affirmative's argument.
2nd negative:
Reaffirm the negative's main line.
Offer a rebuttal of a few of the points presented by the second affirmative.
Present the second half of the negative's argument.
3rd affirmative:
Reaffirm the affirmative's main line.
Offer a rebuttal of any of the remaining negative's arguments.
Offer a summary of the affirmative's case.
Conclude debate for the affirmative team.
3rd negative:
Reaffirm the negative's main line.
Offer a rebuttal of any of the remaining affirmative's arguments.
Offer a summary of the negative's case.
Conclude debate for the negative team.