What a flow is
A flow is a sheet of notes with one column for each speech. You write each argument in the column of the speech where it was made, and write the answers to it in the next column, on the same line. Reading across a row shows the life of one argument through the round; that’s why it’s called a flow.
Many debaters use two sheets: one for the affirmative case and one for the negative case, so answers line up next to what they answer.
A sample flow
Resolved: In a democracy, voting ought to be compulsory. Lincoln-Douglas, affirmative case sheet. Each column is one speech; arrows (→) mean “answers.”
| AC (aff, 6 min) | NC (neg, 7 min) | 1AR (aff, 4 min) | NR (neg, 6 min) | 2AR (aff, 3 min) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V: Democracy · C: max representation | → Prefer liberty / autonomy: dem exists to protect choice | → Autonomy needs a voice; low turnout = unequal voice | → Forced voice ≠ free voice | → Even under autonomy: can vote blank, choice kept |
| C1: Low turnout skews who’s heard (turnout gaps by age, income) | → Gaps shrink w/ easier registration (no force needed) | → Easier reg tried; gaps remain (ev: same states) | → Ext: alternatives work well enough | → Alts help but don’t close gap; only full turnout does |
| C2: Compulsory nations ↑ turnout (Australia ~90%) | → Uninformed votes ↓ quality | → Turn: duty to vote → people pay attention | (dropped) | → Dropped turn: extend: more engaged voters |
| Off: Liberty violation: fines punish non-voters | → Small fine, exemptions, blank ballot OK | → Any compulsion = principle violated | → Weigh: tiny burden vs. whole nation’s voice |
How to flow
- Use abbreviations and symbols. ↑ up, ↓ down, → leads to or answers, ∴ therefore, ≠ not, $ money, w/ with, b/c because. Make up your own for each topic.
- Write taglines, not sentences. “C1: turnout skews who’s heard” is enough.
- Leave room. Space the first speech’s arguments out so the answers fit beside them.
- Use two colors (one per side) if it helps you see who said what.
- Flow the cross-ex admissions in a margin, so you can use them in your speech.
- Mark drops. Circle or star arguments the other side didn’t answer.
Using your flow in a speech
Before each speech, look across your flow. Every argument against you should have an answer in your column; every argument of yours they didn’t answer is a drop to extend. Then give your speech in the order of the flow, signposting each line (“On their first contention…”), so the judge can follow along on their own flow.
Judges flow too
Experienced judges (often called flow judges) keep their own flow and decide the round from it. Clear signposting and taglines make it easy for them to write your arguments in the right place. Parent and community judges may take simpler notes; help them by summarizing clearly. See Judging and Ballots.
Practice
- Flow a recorded debate (one of the national finals in Resources) on paper or with the on-screen flow sheet.
- Have a partner read a one-minute speech with three arguments; flow it, then answer each one in the next column.
- Make a list of ten abbreviations for your current topic.
Sources
- Debate Training Guide (abbreviations for flowing), National Speech & Debate Association. Accessed 2026-10-25.
- A Guide to IPDA/NPDA Debate (Jacob Watson), West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Accessed 2026-10-25.
Updated 2026-10-25.