Using and Defending Your Framework

-Place the Framework in the Set-up section of your case. It orients the judge’s perspective for the round. It should highlight and emphasize the elements of your arguments. If you wait until the rebuttal speech, or the first crossfire to introduce the Framework, you risk not fully establishing the Framework. Having it in your case allows you to clearly explain how your arguments fit under the Framework. Presenting it early also more effectively shapes the judge’s view of the resolution.

-Introduce your Framework as an observation: “We offer the following observation…”. This phrase works for any type of Framework. Avoid using the term “framework” because it is debate jargon – no community judge will know what you are talking about.

-Always explain why the round is better as a result of your Framework. You must persuade the judge your framework is necessary to decide the debate and ultimately give the judge an easy way to decide the debate’s result.

-Framework should be discussed in every speech. Repetition, remember? Discuss it at the beginning of every speech. It affects how the judge weighs arguments and makes his or her decision. Don’t give your judge the opportunity to forget it. In the Second Half of the round, you should explicitly discuss how your arguments achieve what your Framework requires to win the round.

-It is your burden to illustrate the contrast between Pro and Con Frameworks. Don’t assume your judge will see the difference. It is your job to illustrate how your framework provides for the best debate. You also should illustrate how your opponents’ have not met the Framework’s requirements.

-Remember that Framework is like an argument. Back up your analysis with warrants. If your opponents object to your Framework, you need to respond to the rebuttal as you would for any argument. This requires you to provide an explanation as to why your opponent has not refuted your Framework.

-Remember that Framework, unlike an argument, is not a reason for you to win a debate. If you win Framework, you win how the judge will perceive the round and how the round will be judged. The arguments made will still determine the outcome. Please PLEASE don’t make winning the Framework debate a voting issue.

-Never use jargon or counterintuitive arguments in Framework – remember our goal is more clarity in the round, not less.