Pacing and Signposting
Even perfectly plain language fails if delivered too fast or without clear structure. You will be able to signpost a speech so a judge can flow it in real time.
Verbal Signposts
Announce structure out loud — 'My first contention is...', 'Turning to my second point...', 'To summarize...' — so the judge always knows exactly where they are in your speech and can label their flow correctly. Never bury a contention number inside a long sentence where the judge might miss it entirely.
Pacing for Comprehension, Not Just Speed
BQ speeches are shorter than Policy speeches and are meant to be spoken at a persuasive, conversational pace rather than rapid-fire spreading; slow down noticeably on your tag lines and impact statements, since those are the exact phrases you want the judge writing down verbatim.
A debater delivers a rebuttal against a two-contention Negative case.
'I have two responses. First, on their contention about determinism: [pause, slower] their own study admits conscious veto power remains possible, which undercuts their entire claim. Second, on their claim about moral responsibility: [pause, slower] even under determinism, we still hold people responsible for reasons-responsive behavior, so their objection doesn't defeat our case. To summarize, both Negative arguments fail on their own terms.'
1. What is the purpose of verbal signposting like 'my first contention is...'?
2. True or False?
"BQ speeches are generally meant to be delivered at rapid-fire 'spreading' speed, like some Policy debate speeches."
Answer all 2 to check.
Signpost every structural transition out loud and slow down deliberately on tags and impacts so the judge can write them down.