How to do Cross

By Dev Menon

What is “Cross”?

Cross (Short for Cross-ex or cross-examination) is the questioning period within a debate round. This is the time when debaters will be able to ask questions about the opponents' arguments and make clarifications. 

How does Cross work in PF?

Cross in PF is unique in the way it is conducted. Each PF Debate team is split between the first speakers and the second speakers. Questions will be asked alternatively, as in, the Aff Speaker will ask a question and then the neg speaker will ask a question, this will continue in that fashion for 3 minutes. Every cross-examination period will be 3 minutes. The first Cross period will be a questioning period between the First two speakers on each side. This will happen after both the Affirmative and the Negative read their constructive speeches. The second cross will happen between the Second two speakers on each side. This period will happen after both rebuttal speeches are finished and will last 3 minutes. This will be used to question the arguments made in the rebuttal speeches, along with the cases read in the constructives. The final cross-period will happen after both summary speeches conclude, and all four speakers will be asking each other questions. In this period, everyone will be able to speak and ask questions. The questions during this period will revolve around all relevant arguments at that point in the round. 

What should I ask in First Cross?

First cross can be tricky as there aren't many arguments to go off of besides the case arguments. All hope isn't lost! There are some strategic ways to go about it. 

1. Look at your rebuttal doc that your partner is creating and ask a question like “if we can prove that your argument X doesn't have a real impact, why should the judge evaluate it?” 

2. Clarify an argument you don't understand

3. If their case has some sort of evidence that seems fishy, call it out and ask for the date of the evidence. Many other ways cross questions can be formulated, but reverting to this rubric will allow you to make some ground in cross. Remember cross is meant to be a strategic point in the debate where you have the opponents admit something that will be strategic to point out in your rebuttal and make some perceptual ground. Not all judges will evaluate properly, so being better perceptually can mean winning the round.

What should I ask in Second Cross?

The second cross tends to be a little easier, considering there are more arguments to question. There are a couple of strategic routes for this cross too.

1. Question their responses to your rebuttal arguments

2. Ask what their arguments mean

3. Hijack a time where you have to answer a question by answering it and then saying something like “which went unresponded to”. This will help increase perception and remind the judge that your opponent did not answer a vital argument.

Use this cross to set the stage for the summary speech. Strategically use this time to give a leg up to your partner.

How to do a Grand Cross?

Grand cross is no different from any other cross period you have had. Strategically, the first speaker should be doing the most work during this period so that the second speaker can fish their rebuttal. Since all speakers can ask questions, it wouldn't be harmful for everyone to be involved, but to maximize prep efficiency, it woul be best advised that the second speaker has a minimal role in that cross period. This cross period will be used to culminate every argument and responses to arguments that have occurred in the round and set the stage up for a final focus that will make or break the round. Strategically questioning every aspect of arguments made and making final clarifications will be key during this time, so you are aware of how to end the round off and ensure a winning ballot. Think of this as trying to “end on a good note”. 

Key Things to Remember

The cross is only 3 minutes, so it's important you give your opponents chances to speak,,k but also don't let the hog cross. 

1. If a question is asked, but by the time you get to answer, it goes past 3 minutes, ask the judge if you can answer it, a nd if you get no response, just answer the question and then sit down. 

2. ALWAYS stand up for the cross and look at the judge when doing the cross. If your judge's paradigm says something otherwise about not caring if you sit or stand, then come to a conclusion with your opponent on whether you will be sitting or standing. 

3. Be nice, perceptual dominance doesn't come from yelling at your opponents but from confidence and strategic questioning.

4. If you truly have no questions, just say, “I have no more questions to ask.”