In policy debate, a constructive speech is one of the first four speeches of a debate round. Constructive speeches are followed by a 3-minute cross-examination period.
In high school, constructive speeches are 8 minutes long; in college, they are 9 minutes.
In general, new arguments are only allowed during constructive speeches, and many judges will disregard new arguments made in rebuttal speeches, especially if they are flagged by the opposing team.
Currently, the "first affirmative constructive" (1AC) is used to present the "plan", although historically it was often presented in the "second affirmative constructive" (2AC). Accordingly, many believe that negative "off-case arguments" must be presented in the "first negative constructive" (1NC). Many believe that negative "on-case arguments" must also be presented in the 1NC, but this is followed less uniformly.
Because of the phenomenon of "splitting the negative block", some have come to view the "first negative rebuttal" (1NR) (and to a lesser degree, the "first affirmative rebuttal" (1AR) as constructive speeches as well.
Famous quotes containing the words constructive and/or speech:
“The measure discriminates definitely against products which make up what has been universally considered a program of safe farming. The bill upholds as ideals of American farming the men who grow cotton, corn, rice, swine, tobacco, or wheat and nothing else. These are to be given special favors at the expense of the farmer who has toiled for years to build up a constructive farming enterprise to include a variety of crops and livestock.”
—Calvin Coolidge (1872–1933)
“As the truest society approaches always nearer to solitude, so the most excellent speech finally falls into Silence. Silence is audible to all men, at all times, and in all places. She is when we hear inwardly, sound when we hear outwardly. Creation has not displaced her, but is her visible framework and foil. All sounds are her servants, and purveyors, proclaiming not only that their mistress is, but is a rare mistress, and earnestly to be sought after.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)