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.
Policy/CX Speech Structure (NSDA):
| Speech |
Time |
Who Speaks |
| 1st Aff Constructive (1AC) | 8 min | 1st Affirmative (1A) |
| Cross-Ex of 1A (CX₁) | 3 min | 2N questions 1A |
| 1st Neg Constructive (1NC) | 8 min | 1st Negative (1N) |
| Cross-Ex of 1N (CX₂) | 3 min | 1A questions 1N |
| 2nd Aff Constructive (2AC) | 8 min | 2nd Affirmative (2A) |
| Cross-Ex of 2A (CX₃) | 3 min | 1N questions 2A |
| 2nd Neg Constructive (2NC) | 8 min | 2nd Negative (2N) |
| Cross-Ex of 2N (CX₄) | 3 min | 2A questions 2N |
| 1st Neg Rebuttal (1NR) | 5 min | 1st Negative (1N) |
| 1st Aff Rebuttal (1AR) | 5 min | 1st Affirmative (1A) |
| 2nd Neg Rebuttal (2NR) | 5 min | 2nd Negative (2N) |
| 2nd Aff Rebuttal (2AR) | 5 min | 2nd Affirmative (2A) |
Key concepts:
• Constructives (8 min each) are where teams present arguments and evidence. The 1AC presents the affirmative plan; the 1NC introduces negative positions (DAs, counterplans, topicality, kritiks); the 2AC and 2NC extend and clash.
• Cross-examination (3 min each) follows each constructive — the opposing team questions the speaker who just spoke.
• The "neg block" (2NC + 1NR = 13 minutes back-to-back for neg) is a key strategic moment. The neg gets to speak twice in a row before the aff can respond.
• Rebuttals (5 min each) are for extending and crystallizing arguments — no new arguments allowed.
• The 1AR (5 min) must answer the entire 13-minute neg block — it is widely considered the hardest speech in debate.
Tips for this tool:
• The 8 columns below are the 8 speeches in Policy. CX periods appear as collapsible notes below the grid. Type notes in the active (highlighted) column as that speech happens.
• Use abbreviations freely — "DA" for disadvantage, "CP" for counterplan, "T" for topicality, "K" for kritik, etc. Only you need to read these.
• Don't try to write everything. Policy speeches are fast — listen for the argument tags (the thesis of each argument) and jot those down with a few keywords for the warrants.
• 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).