Prep time in debate is the time given to debaters to prepare their case after receiving a motion or to organize their thoughts between speeches. The amount of prep time varies by format - British Parliamentary gives 15 minutes, some World Schools motions are released hours or days in advance, and Cross-Examination uses a shared prep-time pool that speakers can draw from during the round.
Why Prep Time Matters
Prep time is where rounds are often won or lost. Teams that use prep time well come into the round with a clear case, anticipated rebuttals, and a plan for what to do if the other side attacks a specific argument. Teams that waste prep time end up improvising the entire round and usually get outclassed.
How to Use Prep Time Well
- Spend the first minute understanding the motion and defining key terms
- Spend the next few minutes brainstorming arguments on both sides
- Build 2-4 main contentions with clear claim-warrant-impact structure
- Anticipate the strongest opposing arguments and plan responses
- Write a short roadmap for the opening speech before time runs out