Lexington Lafayette Jim Combs Invitational

2025 — Lexington, KY/US

Extemporaneous Debate

Abbreviation XDB
Format Debate
Entry Fee $6.00
Entry 1 competitors per entry

Event Description:

Extemporaneous Debate (XDB)is a one-on-one debate event in which students are presented with a new resolution each round and have 30 minutes to prepare before delivering arguments, refutation, and rebuttals. Unlike traditional debate events, which focus on a single topic throughout a tournament, Extemp Debate introduces a variety of resolutions, testing students’ adaptability and critical thinking across a broad range of issues. The use of evidence is permitted, but due to the short preparation time, the event emphasizes reasoning, structure, and effective delivery over detailed research.

This event appeals to students who enjoy thinking quickly, tackling a wide range of topics, and engaging in real-time argumentation. While students with experience in debate or speaking extemporaneously may feel right at home, public speakers and interpers who are thoughtful, quick-witted, and curious can also find this format exciting and rewarding.

Successful students in Extemp Debate are often analytical, confident, persuasive, and logical thinkers with a broad base of knowledge and the ability to work independently under pressure.

Time Limits Speech Time Limit Purpose
Proposition Constructive 2 minutes The debater in favor of the resolution presents his or her case/position in support of the topic.
Cross Examination of Proposition 1 minute The opposition debater asks the proposition questions.
Opposition Constructive 2 minutes The debater against the resolution or the proposition’s case presents his or her case/position.
Cross Examination of Opposition 1 minute The proposition debater asks the opposition questions.
Mandatory Prep Time 1 minute Both debaters have one minute to prepare their rebuttals.
Proposition Rebuttal 2 minutes The proposition debater refutes the main idea of the opposition and supports their main ideas.
Opposition Rebuttal 2 minutes The opposition debater refutes the main idea of the proposition and supports their main ideas.
Mandatory Prep Time 1 minute Both debaters have one minute to prepare their rebuttals.
Proposition Rebuttal 2 minutes In this final speech the proposition crystallizes the round for the judge and tries to establish sufficient reason for a vote in favor of the resolution.
Opposition Rebuttal 2 minutes In this final speech the opposition crystallizes the round for the judge and tries to establish sufficient reason for a vote against the proposition’s case and/or the resolution.
Logo
Locations
Lafayette High School (Lexington)
Contacts
Jane Morris Riley Ellen Murray
General
Invitation Home Email Archive Events & Divisions Institutions In Attendance
Events
Congress
Extemporaneous Debate Novice Lincoln Douglas Novice Public Forum Varsity Lincoln Douglas Varsity Public Forum
Broadcasting Declamation Dramatic Interpretation Duo Interpretation Extemporaneous Speaking Humorous Interpretation Impromptu Speaking Improvisational Duo Informative Original Oratory Poetry Program Oral Interp Prose Storytelling
Circuits
KY – Kentucky NatCir – National Circuit (US HS) WWDL – Wilson Wyatt Debate League

Dates & Deadlines

 EST
Tournament Dates Dec 13 to Dec 13 2025
Registration Opens Mon Oct 13 at 6:00 AM
Registration Closes Tue Dec 9 at 11:55 PM
Fees Freeze After Tue Dec 9 at 11:55 PM
Judge Information Due Tue Dec 9 at 11:55 PM
Drop online until Thu Dec 11 at 12:00 PM
Change fees apply after Thu Dec 11 at 12:00 PM

These deadlines are set in Tabroom for technical purposes. Always consult the invitation or tournament notices for official policies about deadlines and procedures.