10 Tips For An Effective Parli Case
Identify Resolution: What type is it; do you know what all of the words mean? Did you get the wording of the rez word for word? Here’s an example from triple octofinals: “Central America” does not include Cuba!
Identify a Case: Do you have a case that will reasonably fit within the rez? If not, how about an advantage from another case? *Winning Rule 1: Go with what you know when you can, but don’t force it or you’ll be drinking T for breakfast!
Divide the Work: There may be times when the Member of Government will need to write out part of the Prime Minister’s Constructive, so try to divide it up ahead of time. Eg: Have the Prime Minister write the top of case and the plan text, while the Member of Government writes out an advantage. Always try to give the Member of Government some time to prep responses to possible negative attacks (T, DA’s, K’s ect.)
Definitions: Only define key words! Please do not waste time defining unnecessary words. Defining words like “death” makes you seem like a novice and makes judges wish the definition upon you! Many resolutions do not require any definitions. Eg: The resolution “The USFG should abolish the death penalty” does not need any definitions. Use definitional phrases when appropriate, such as with metaphor resolutions. *Winning Rule 2: The more specific the resolution, the less necessary definitions are.
Criteria Through a Lens: Does your case favor a particular value or place? Then why not have the criteria and impacts of the debate focus on that value? To apply a lens, say “We are going to use the criteria of net benefits through the lens of ____ (your value). Then give a warrant to why your lens is good. Eg: A case to expand free speech could have a lens that focuses on the net benefits of free speech.
Burdens: An optional tool that can help you clarify what you do and don’t have to prove in order to win. They can also effectively spike positions of the Opposition. Eg. “Our burden today is simply to prove that unrestricted political advertising is harmful; it is not to prove that all forms of political speech is bad.”
Background: The more unknown the topic, the more useful it is to give some background. Does you case involve a less known place, situation or actor? If so, you may want to include some background information on the topic. Eg: If your plan has something to do with the ELF then you should give some information on who they are and what they do.
Plan Text: Typically the most important part of a policy debate, but far too often conflated. Ask yourself: who would enforce my plan? Does it require funding? Am I using the right actor!? No, NATO forces do not have jurisdiction in New Jersey! Most importantly, have I made it as simple as possible? *Winning Rule 3: When writing plan text, remember the KISS principle: Keep It Simple Sally!
Advantages: Present advantages in a clearly labeled format, with as few words as possible. Key components include: Harms (Uniqueness), Solvency (Link), Internal Link, and Impacts. Internal Links are useful in setting up how the Impact comes about. Impacts tell the judge why the advantage matters.
Know the Details: The more facts and figures your case has, the more credible it will be. *Winning Rule 4: Factual based impacts are always more persuasive than nebulous ones. (Side Note: considering the new changes in the rules, debaters should use facts and figures as support, not evidence.)