Training Guide for University Debating

Training Guide for
University Debating
Tips, Tactics and First
Principles.

By Tim Sonnreich
2010 Edition

Training Guide for University Debating: Tips, Tactics and First Principles.

Contents
Introduction

P.3.

Chapter One
Definitions.

P.4.

Chapter Two
Hard/Soft Lines and Models.

P.7.

Chapter Three
Search for a Super-Model

P.10.

Chapter Four
Making Arguments from First Principles.

P.12.

Chapter Five
Rebuttal from First Principles.

P.16.

Chapter Six
Case Construction Tactics

P.20.

Chapter Seven
Classic Aff Mistakes and Opp Tactics.

P.28.

Chapter Eight
General Tactical Mistakes

P.32.

Chapter Nine
Manner

P.41.

Chapter Ten
Advanced Manner: Urgency and Momentum

P.44.

Chapter Eleven
Advanced Analysis

P.50.

Appendix One
First Principles Exercises

P.51.

Appendix Two
Secret Topic Preparation

P.52.

Appendix Three
Surgical Strike Rebuttal

P.54.

Tim Sonnreich

2

Training Guide for University Debating: Tips, Tactics and First Principles.

Introduction.
“I do not dismiss the potential of the right speech, delivered by the right speaker, in the right way, at the right moment. It can ignite a fire, change men’s minds, open their eyes, alter their votes, bring hope to their lives, and in all these ways, change the world. I know. I saw it happen.” Ted Sorensen, speechwriter and advisor to JFK, in ‘Counsellor’ 2008. This is the fourth edition, updated and expanded yet again, of my guide to university debating. It is designed to help debaters and adjudicators of all levels improve their understanding and skills. Ultimately good debating is about having good ideas – because you will never know all of the facts or details of every topic, but you can learn enough key ideas to equip you for any circumstance. In this guide I refer to that concept as ‘first principles’, and that term covers both knowledge of fundamental philosophical concepts, but also basic logic and