Flowing is the note-taking method used in debate. Each speech gets its own column, and you write arguments vertically down the page. When a debater responds to an argument, you write the response in the next column across from the original argument — so you can see the back-and-forth.
PF Speech Structure (NSDA):
| Speech |
Time |
Who Speaks |
| 1st Constructive | 4 min | Team A — Speaker 1 |
| 2nd Constructive | 4 min | Team B — Speaker 1 |
| Crossfire 1 | 3 min | Both 1st speakers |
| 1st Rebuttal | 4 min | Team A — Speaker 2 |
| 2nd Rebuttal | 4 min | Team B — Speaker 2 |
| Crossfire 2 | 3 min | Both 2nd speakers |
| 1st Summary | 3 min | Team A — Speaker 1 |
| 2nd Summary | 3 min | Team B — Speaker 1 |
| Grand Crossfire | 3 min | All 4 speakers |
| 1st Final Focus | 2 min | Team A — Speaker 2 |
| 2nd Final Focus | 2 min | Team B — Speaker 2 |
Tips for this tool:
• The 8 columns below are the 8 speeches in PF. Crossfire periods appear as collapsible notes below the grid. Type notes in the active (highlighted) column as that speech happens.
• The constructives (columns 1–2) set up each team's case. This is where you first hear each side's arguments and evidence.
• The rebuttals (columns 3–4) are where real clash happens. Each side attacks the other's case and defends their own.
• The summaries (columns 5–6) narrow the round down to the key voting issues. Good debaters "collapse" to their strongest arguments here.
• The final focus (columns 7–8) is the last word from each side — voting issues and crystallization.
• Crossfire periods (CF₁, CF₂, Grand Crossfire) don't get flow columns — they appear as collapsible note areas below the grid. Most judges don't take crossfire notes, but you can if something important comes up.
• Use abbreviations freely — "A" for Team A, "B" for Team B, "→" for "leads to", etc. Only you need to read these.
• Don't try to write everything. Listen for the main claims and jot a few keywords for each.
• If one side doesn't answer an argument, leave a gap — that's called a "drop" and it usually counts against them.
• Use Ctrl+→ to advance to the next speech, or tap the speech pills above.
• Spacebar starts/stops the timer (when you're not typing in a flow area).