CNDF Format Explained
The CNDF round, speech by speech
| # | Speech | Side | Length | What it’s for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1st Proposition | Proposition | 8:00 | Builds the case and answers the other side |
| 2 | 1st Opposition | Opposition | 8:00 | Builds the case and answers the other side |
| 3 | 2nd Proposition | Proposition | 8:00 | Builds the case and answers the other side |
| 4 | 2nd Opposition | Opposition | 8:00 | Builds the case and answers the other side |
| 5 | Opposition Rebuttal | Opposition | 4:00 | Summarizes and weighs, no brand-new arguments |
| 6 | Proposition Rebuttal | Proposition | 4:00 | Summarizes and weighs, no brand-new arguments |
| Speaking time | 40:00 | Plus 15:00 motion prep | ||
Scroll right for the full table →
The rules that actually matter
- Two teams: one side agrees with the topic, one disagrees.
- The 1st speakers go, then the 2nd speakers, for 8 minutes each. The side that agrees goes first both times.
- Then each side gives one last speech, 4 minutes each. The side that disagrees goes first.
- While someone is giving one of the first four speeches, a student from the other side may stand and ask to make a quick point.
- Those interruptions are not allowed during the last two speeches, or in the first or last minute of any speech.
- Teams get about 15 minutes to plan once they hear the topic.
- Early on, each side should make clear what the words in the topic mean and what they think they have to prove.
Prepping a CNDF round?
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How to prep for a CNDF round
- Define the key words of the topic early and say what your side has to prove.
- Combine research done before the tournament with the 15 minutes of planning once the topic is out.
- Practice points during the first four speeches, avoiding the protected first and last minute.
- Keep the last speeches to summing up and comparing what was already said.
How CNDF rounds are judged
- A blend of policy-style direct clash and parliamentary-style strategy — but unlike Policy/LD, CNDF has no scheduled cross-examination periods.
- Points of Information happen continuously during the four constructive speeches instead — never during the two rebuttals, and never in a speech’s first or last minute (protected time).
- POIs don’t score marks on their own, but they weigh significantly into your holistic decision — a speaker who never takes one, or a team that never offers any, should lose ground on Strategy.
- Weigh the round against the burdens and framework established at the top; ballots score Content, Style & Strategy.
- Direct clash is the format’s defining expectation — parallel, non-intersecting cases from each side should score worse than genuine engagement.
Check yourself
What two traditions does CNDF blend?
Policy-style research and parliamentary-style Points of Information
How long is a CNDF constructive speech?
8 minutes
Which speech closes a CNDF round?
Proposition Rebuttal
When may Points of Information be offered?
During constructive speeches
What should case setup include before you dive into arguments?
Definitions, a model if needed, and each side's burden
Frequently asked questions
What is the speech order in CNDF?
CNDF has 6 timed parts, in this order: 1st Proposition (8 minutes), 1st Opposition (8 minutes), 2nd Proposition (8 minutes), 2nd Opposition (8 minutes), Opposition Rebuttal (4 minutes), Proposition Rebuttal (4 minutes). That is 40 minutes of timed speaking and questioning in all, plus prep time.
How long are CNDF speeches?
The four main speeches run 8 minutes each, and each side then gives a 4-minute final speech.
When are points of information allowed in CNDF?
During the first four speeches, but not in the first or last minute of a speech, and not during the final two speeches.
Prep your next CNDF round with The Debate Prep
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