Evidence in Action
📋 What it is
Using evidence well means QUOTING it accurately and explaining how it proves your specific claim.
🗣️ Coach says
Finding proof is half the job — USING it is the other half. Quote it accurately, then say exactly how it supports YOUR claim. Dropped evidence with no explanation is like handing someone a puzzle piece with no picture.
🧠 Memory hook
Quote it right, then explain how it fits YOUR claim.
😂 Giggle
What's a debater's favorite type of music?
Counterpoint!
😲 Whoa!
Debaters keep organised "evidence files" so they can pull the exact quote they need in seconds during a round.
✅ Quick check: After you present a piece of evidence, what must you always do next?
Say your answer out loud first — then reveal.
Explain how it supports your specific claim — connect the evidence to the point, don’t just leave the fact hanging.
Linking evidence to the claim is the step beginners skip most.
🧪 Try it! (2 minutes)
Take one fact and write the sentence that explains how it proves your point.