Policy vs LD Series Part 3: Speech Format
By: Jaya Nayar
This is the 3rd article in a series about the differences between Policy and LD.
Here are the links to the other 3 articles:
https://www.girlsdebate.org/general-resources-1/2020/1/24/qmd5j6dobirmt5mofgich281kszmv8
https://www.girlsdebate.org/general-resources-1/2020/2/13/policy-vs-ld-series-part-4-research-2
Speech Format
The speech times and formats of Policy and LD are very different. High school Policy debates are usually about an hour and a half, whereas LD debates are about 45 minutes. In Policy, there are 8 speeches, whereas in LD, there are only 5.
Policy benefits: Since Policy debates are longer, this allows for a more in depth analysis of the topic within the time span of a single round. Argumentation is much more rigorous since there are simply more speeches where you have to directly engage with your opponent.
LD benefits: However, longer debates can be grueling for some students as it requires an excessive amount of attention in an activity that is already pretty exhausting.
In both activities, the 1NC will inevitably proliferate a ton of arguments. This can be in the form of multiple off case disads and counterplans, tons of K links, etc.
Policy benefits: In Policy, the 2AC and 1NC are both 8 minutes. This allows for the aff to also proliferate many arguments that the negative is forced to respond to in the block, creating a more equitable structure of debate, and allowing for more discussion of the position that the negative read. After the block (13 minutes), the 1AR (5 minutes) is forced to pick and choose the aff’s best arguments, allowing students to hone their argument prioritization and time allocation skills.
LD benefits: Meanwhile, in LD, the 1AR (4 minutes) comes right after the 1NC (7 minutes). Immediately, students have to prioritize arguments and focus on time allocation, rather than being able to test different kinds of responses to the argument of the negative.