Transcript How to Flow

How to Flow
What is FLOWING?
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It is the name given to a specialized form of
note taking or shorthand, which debaters use
to keep track of all of the arguments in the
round.
It incorporates specialized and individualized
abbreviations, notations, and symbols that
allow debaters to keep up with the rapid
speed of delivery in most speeches while
making a record of as much as possible.
Why is FLOWING so important?
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It helps you keep track of all of your
opponent’s or opposing team’s arguments.
It helps you prevent dropping an argument
you or your opponent (or opposing team)
previously made.
Judges expect it!
Proper supplies:
Every debater should have:
 Legal length paper (legal pad)
 Good pens
 Organized file box
Not suggested:
 Flowing on notebook paper
 Flowing with pencil or gel pen or anything else
bright or light
Good flow rules
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One piece of paper for each position
(affirmative or negative) each round
Pre-marked columns for each speech
Everyone flows every speech (except 1NR
can prep during 2NC—CX)
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Stay seated
Pull evidence during prep time (CX)
NO LONG HAND SENTENCES EVER!
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You can write things out long hand before
debates but never in debates—only debate from
your flow
What does a good flow look like?
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It is a grid.
All 8 speeches are represented in a CX flow.
And all 5 speeches are represented in a LD flow.
As a judge, I make a column for CX time, too. It might be
beneficial for you as well to write out the questions you
plan to ask your opponent during CX in a designated
column.
CX Flow Example
LD Flow Example
How can I get it all down?
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Abbreviations
Symbols
Main idea only (tag or contention)
Practice
Never give up!
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Not flowing is forfeiting the debate against a
competent opponent.
If you miss something, leave a space:
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Fill it in during CX
Ask your partner
Look at their evidence
You can even ask for a copy of your opponent’s or
opposing team’s case during CX
What if the other team does not flow?
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It can be harder to follow a disorganized
speech.
If that happens, write everything down in a
column and tell the judge that you will
respond to the points in the order that they
made them. You will look awesome in
comparison to the non-flow team and the
judges will reward your effort.
Stay organized when speaking!
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Give the judge a road map… put your flows
in order and stick to it!
Follow the order of the points by number, tag,
contention, etc.
What else can your flow do for you?
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Helps you to scout opponents!
Helps you to track your performance—
after each debate, fold your flow in half
and write the following on the outside:
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Round #
Opponent
What each side ran
If you won or lost
Judge comments (Critical! Do not pack up, do
not walk around--sit, listen, and write)
Filing basics (for CX)
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Many new debaters lose debates because they
have misplaced parts of their files. Following
these simple rules will really help:
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Treat your files with respect. Do not lose pages.
Keep files together in a box or something of equal
size.
One file, one index = one folder.
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NEVER divide a file up into multiple small parts.
Indexes are your key for finding things. You need to keep
all pages listed on the index WITH the index.
Simple manila folders are best.