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Progressive vs. Traditional
There exists two main types of debate within LD (and other events). Those two types are traditional and progressive argumentation. Within this guide, we will outline what both debate types look like and the difference between the two, how to determine which type you’re doing or you want to do, and resources for you to get started.
What is Progressive and Traditional Debate?
Our previous basic guides are applicable to both progressive and traditional debate (albeit the some are more traditional-focused), so now let’s look at the distinctions.
Traditional debate is probably the first thing that comes to mind, since when you think of a debate, you’d think of maybe two politicians or officials talking about issues of the nation (though those are rarely debates). Traditional debate is marked by rhetorical, persuasive, and conversational-pace speeches. The arguments usually are very topical to the NSDA resolution, and they are outlined as ‘Contentions’ instead of 'Advantages’ usually. They appeal and are suitable for almost any judge, regardless of whether you’re a parent or an experienced coach. They use the traditional format of value and value criterion, and explain the deep moral problems of our society in a persuasive and topical manner. You’ll find traditional tournaments in most states, such as Ohio or Missouri, on their local and state tournaments. The largest traditional tournaments, I would say, are the National Speech and Debate Tournament and the National Catholic Forensic League Nationals. The way you qualify for the first is through your district tournament. The way you qualify for the second is to compete and qualify through your local league’s ‘Grand Final’ qualifiers.
Progressive debate includes fast argumentation, something we call spreading, usually above 250 wpm. It includes vast types of arguments that are suitable for only circuit judges, experienced at the activity, to understand - these arguments might look like Kritiks (Critiques), Process Counter-Plans, Dense Philosophy, Theory Shells, Trix - you can’t really run them on a parent judge successfully most of the time. More in-depth introductions to all of the arguments described above can be found in the introductory guide section. Progressive debate usually includes some of the most experienced judges in the nation, usually coaches, past debaters, or really experienced judges will judge you so that you can speak that fast and they can flow it. The last thing noteworthy to talk about in a brief summary of what progressive debate is about is the environment and norms. Progressive tournaments are not on most local circuits (unless you’re in California, Texas, New York, or Florida - you may experience some progressive on the local circuits there just because of the population of the state), they are on the national circuit. Tournaments like Harvard, Stanford, Glenbrooks, and Berkeley are all widely progressive national circuit tournaments. Usually, national circuit debaters aim to qualify for a prestigious tournament we call the Tournament of Champions, where you must obtain two bids from tournaments like the ones outlined above by breaking into a certain elimination round in order to qualify.
Which type am I doing/which type should I do?
As for the first question, it really depends on the type of judging offered in the tournament you’re attending, which most likely depends on your location and the circuit you’re competing on. For example, the Midwest is largely a traditional region, and if you compete at the local, district, or state tournaments, you are unlikely to encounter any progressive argumentation because the tournaments are usually supplied with parent volunteers and traditional coaches. Whereas if you’re in a populous and very different state like California, you are most likely to find that your tournaments are progressive.
Regardless, what type you do isn’t necessarily determined by your state - it is determined by what circuit you want to compete on. You can most definitely learn progressive and compete at tournaments throughout the nation, you would just have to get your school, parent, or supervisor onboard to be the onsite coach for you. Most progressive tournaments offer hires, so if you’re in a financially good position, debating progressive will not be difficult for you if you’re in a traditional region. If not, there are a lot of online bid tournaments, such as the TOC Digitals and Stanford, that are accessible if you cannot afford to travel (I know TOC Digitals’ entry fees are particularly low in comparison to other tournaments). Some of those onlines also allow parent judging, they just have to have a paradigm - although it would be best educationally for a progressive debater to try to supply a progressive judge if they’re able to. Similarly, you can most definitely try to qualify for the National Speech and Debate Tournament even if you’ve been doing progressive all your career.
Now, as for the second question - entirely up to you! Decide what is most accessible for your family, and what type you are more interested in. The section below may help you with this find, as it gives you resources for both.
Free Resources to Get Started
Traditional:
NSDA Final Round Videos: https://www.speechanddebate.org/final-round-videos/
Kankee Briefs: https://www.kankeebriefs.org
Isegora Briefs: https://isegorabriefs.wixsite.com/isegora-briefs/projects
Classic Debate Camp Briefs: https://www.classicdebatecamp.com
Youtube Channels:
Progressive:
Round Videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMSthPuIh6ZSWIW17Dg_hD8H9XrJF6OdG
Opencaselist (!): https://opencaselist.com/hsld25
Kankee Briefs: https://www.kankeebriefs.org
Youtube Channels:
Circuit Debater!
Organizations like Peptalk, Women in Debate, etc.
***And of course, for both types, the Equality in Forensics LD Resource Center!***
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