IMPROVING CLARITY
Introduction
It does not matter how good your arguments are, if the judges do not understand what you are saying. Think from their perspective. On early mornings and late nights, it is difficult to even watch sixteen or more people speak for three hours. Understanding and ultimately, ranking, each speaker is a much more daunting task. Help them rank you higher. You have to both speak and write clearly to do so.
Explain Everything
As a general rule, do not let judges assume what you are saying. You have to tell them. Here's one example that happens far too often: debaters may fail to clearly point out how they contribute to the round. They could be delivering a crucial extension that makes major changes to the flow, but their speech will be forgettable at best. Beware that if any of your points even seem like rehash you should tell the judges what new warrant or impact you provide and how that advances the debate. Ask yourself why your speech makes your side more convincing beyond just repeating the same arguments. If you cannot find an answer then you should probably find something else to say.
Other times competitors try to use debate jargon or terminology in an effort to save time. While it may be common in more technical events like Lincoln Douglas or Policy, jargon only confuses judges and distracts them from your speech. You will almost always have parents, speech coaches, or otherwise inexperienced judges that would not understand in round. Even seasoned judges and coaches frown upon jargon because Congressional Debate is meant to replicate real Congress. Your constituents don't need overly complicated speeches, just simple and straightforward solutions.
Terms like impact or status quo are fine, but words such as warrant, "impact turn," or "link chain" should not appear in your speech. All of these concepts can still be clearly and effectively explained. The same goes for weighing. It is helpful to know the difference between timeframe and magnitude, but please never say it out loud.
“The negation may believe that less bombs for Saudi Arabia means less lives lost, but that’s the complete opposite.”
The example above, although noticeably longer than “impact turn," is much more understandable by newer judges, which strengthens your clarity and believability. Make time for clearer and longer phrases by cutting other convoluted and lengthy sentences.
Organized Structure
Your speech has to be organized. A speech with a clear line of reasoning is just easier to understand. We have all watched someone deliver a speech that seemed like it went nowhere. The claims were confusing, the impact was missing, and everything was out of order. Many of those speakers had good ideas, but failed to structure them. Organization is one of the most important aspects of clarity, so learn how to structure your speeches now if you haven't already.
Signposting
Most people can structure a speech, but many of those same people find "disorganized" written all over their ballots. Sure you have claims, warrants, and impacts. That alone doesn't cut it. To the judges, it's like piles of neatly organized boxes with no labels. They don't have time to sift through each box during your three minute speech. That's where signposting comes in.
Signposting is signalling to the audience where you are within your speech. They make for memorable transitions and improve clarity. Everybody can tell you what they use and what you should do, but be wary. Don't use the same signposts as everyone in the round. Instead, find your own phrases. Keywords can help. Ask yourself how you can quickly and concisely say whatever it is that you want to say. Below is a general guide of how to craft your own.
Claims
For claims, an easy fix is to just number them. First and Second can be great transitions. Otherwise, you can also use phrases like "next" and finally." Keep in mind that most ways to signpost your claims are based around its place within the speech.
Warrants
Warrants are the logical reasons for why your claim is true. Avoid the word warrant and stick to logic based words such as "because" or "why." Here's two examples: "That happens because…" and "Here's why that becomes true." Focus on those words and stress the connection to your claim and the reasoning behind it.
Impacts
Your impact is arguably the most important part of your speech. You want judges to remember it. Don't settle for overused phrases like "This is important because." It's not unique and there are better ways to signal for impacts. Try using some creative and relevant rhetoric to make your impacts stand out. Whatever you do, focus on the effects that the legislation has on your constituents when you transition. On the negation, include words like harm or hurt. On the affirmation, benefit, save, and help all signal a positive impact. Either way, the word "impact" is understandable enough that it works no matter what side you're on.
Delivery
So far, most of this guide has focused on clear and simple writing, but your delivery can have an even greater impact on how judges perceive and understand you. This guide describes delivery as it pertains to clarity. If you want a more in depth lesson on speaking then check out this resource.
In the same way that you can use written signposts to signal parts of your speech, your voice and body language should emphasize what's most important. Vocally vary your volume, pace, and pitch. Slow down and speak up for emphasis on your impacts and significant stats. Speed up when you introduce new evidence. All of your body language should be intentional. Instead of pacing or standing still, walk between the points of your speech. Keep your hands at your side and only use them to mark important points. If your points are numbered, you can count with your fingers to transition to your claims.
Not all clear delivery is about emphasis. It is easier to understand someone that speaks well. Minimize fluency breaks so that your speech flows together. If you struggle with fluency, try some of these drills. Remember that congress focuses on one well delivered argument over several underdeveloped claims, so DO NOT SPREAD. You can almost always slow down, especially if you have time left over in your speech.