The Forensics Files

Philosopher / statesman take: John Quincy Adams warned that America “goes not abroad in search of monsters to destroy.” Foreign intervention risks endless conflict and imperial overreach. A powerful argument for non-intervention. @speechanddebate #Debate #LDDebate

Philosopher take on the LD topic: Kant argued that states should respect sovereignty and avoid coercive interference in other nations’ affairs. That principle strongly supports non-intervention. Sovereignty preserves international order. @speechanddebate #Debate #LDDebate

Debate reminder: The judge is not inside your head. If an argument wins the round, you must say it clearly and directly. Never assume the judge will connect the dots for you. #Debate #SpeechAndDebate #DebateTips

Debate advice: The best rebuttals sound like mini closing arguments. Explain the clash. Explain why your side wins. Tell the judge exactly how to vote. #Debate #SpeechAndDebate #DebateStrategy

Good luck to everyone competing in speech & debate tournaments today. Win or lose, every round is a chance to sharpen your thinking, your speaking, and your resilience. Have great rounds and learn something new. @speechanddebate #SpeechAndDebate #Debate

Debate strategy: If your opponent reads many cards, focus on one key flaw in their argument. A single decisive response is often stronger than five weak ones. #Debate #SpeechAndDebate #DebateTips

Crossfire tip: Don’t try to win crossfire. Use it to set up arguments for your next speech. Great debaters ask questions that create speeches. #Debate #SpeechAndDebate #PublicForum

A strong case begins with a clear framework. Framework answers the question: “What should the judge prioritize when deciding this debate?” #Debate #SpeechAndDebate #LDDebate

Debate strategy: Collapse. Winning debaters don’t extend every argument. They choose one or two arguments and explain why those decide the round. #Debate #SpeechAndDebate #DebateTips

Debate mistake: Reading evidence without explaining it. Evidence is only persuasive when the debater explains what the author proves and why it matters. #Debate #SpeechAndDebate #DebateAdvice

One of the fastest ways to improve in debate: Start weighing impacts. Magnitude Probability Timeframe Reversibility If you weigh consistently, judges know how to evaluate the round. #Debate #SpeechAndDebate #DebateTips #PublicForum

Debate strategy: A good rebuttal speech does not introduce new arguments. It organizes the debate and shows why your side is winning the important clashes. #Debate #SpeechAndDebate #DebateTips

Debate tip: Judges rarely vote on the number of cards read. They vote on the clearest explanation of why an argument matters. Explain the warrant. Explain the impact. #Debate #SpeechAndDebate #DebateTips

Breaking: New: PFD #debate @speechanddebate topic out! Public Forum Debate – 2025 November/December Topic Resolved: The United States federal government should require technology companies to provide lawful access to encrypted communications.

Breaking: New LD #debate @speechanddebate topic out! Lincoln-Douglas Debate – 2025 November/December Topic Resolved: The United States ought to rewild substantial tracts of land.

Do we know what the April 2025 Public Forum Debate topic is from @speechanddebate ?

New @speechanddebate PFD topic: Resolved: The United States should accede to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Should be interesting considering the overlap! Good luck!

Our @speechanddebate Jan/Feb LD topic is already out to help you prepare for next year! Get yours today! theforensicsfiles.com

Brand new @speechanddebate PF debate topic out today! Resolved: The African Union should grant diplomatic recognition to the Republic of Somaliland as an independent state.

New @speechanddebate LD topic out this morning for the holiday season: Resolved: The United States ought to become party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and/or the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.