4 Tips for Winning with Resolutional Objections
This article is part of a series on resolutional objections: a fun segment of LD theory. Check out the previous post here:
In the last article, we explained the basics of resolutional objection cases. If you want to take one to your next tournament, here are some tips to maximize your win rate.
1. Take time to explain.
The specific arguments in your case may be simple, but the overall logic of the case takes time. It’s okay to use inefficient rhetoric. Slow down, repeat yourself, use analogies. A good res objection script contains at least 4 minutes of explanatory rhetoric.
2. Acknowledge the unexpected.
If you have a parent judge, acknowledge that your case isn’t what she expected. “I know most negatives will run values and contentions, but the problem with the resolution is so basic that it can’t even be measured.” You can skip this step with community judges. They have no idea what is normal.
3. Use strategic discipline.
Res objections give you a huge strategic edge because you don’t have to directly refute the affirmative. Openly accept his applications; cross-apply your Alternative to the entire case. You shouldn’t spend more than thirty seconds total on his side of the flow. A direct response to a specific affirmative case point should be used only as a last resort.
4. Alternatives are for persuasion.
Technically, an objection is coherent with just a Thesis, Conflict, and Impact. You don’t need the Alternative to make sense logically. That said, Alternatives give the judge something positive to vote for and make your case more understandable. Example:
Resolved: We should have lunch at Mama Arianna’s Pizza Shack.
Affirmative runs a bunch of arguments about how great the restaurant is: delicious food, low prices, friendly staff.
Thesis: Out of business. Mamma Arianna’s went out of business last weekend, so no matter how great the pizza might have been, we can’t possibly eat there.
Conflict: Open vs Closed. The debate is no longer about the merits of the restaurant. It is now about whether or not the restaurant is open.
Impact: Resolution cannot be affirmed.
That’s all you need to say to do your job. But there’s still a problem: the judge is hungry! If we’re not going to eat at Mama Arianna’s, where SHOULD we eat? The case is stronger if you add:
Alternative: Chipotle. There’s a Chipotle right next door to where Mama Arianna’s used to be; let’s go there.
In the next article, we’ll talk about what to do if someone runs a resolutional objection against you.