Quick Reference
Need a quick reminder during a round? This page has all the essential information at your fingertips—no need to search through detailed guides.
Prep Time Controls
Location: Top of screen during the round
To start prep:
- Click the prep timer for the team taking prep
- Timer automatically counts down from their remaining time
- Click again to stop if they're done early
Default prep: Each team starts with 2 minutes total (for Public Forum)
Note: You can start prep even while filling out post-speech assessments—rounds don't wait for you to finish clicking buttons.
Post-Speech Ratings
After each speech, you'll rate on a 1-5 scale:
Delivery Ratings (all speeches)
Clarity
- 1 = Extremely hard to understand
- 3 = Generally clear, some issues
- 5 = Perfectly clear, easy to follow
Persuasiveness
- 1 = Not compelling at all
- 3 = Moderately persuasive
- 5 = Highly compelling delivery
Content Questions (vary by stage)
Constructive speeches:
- Case structure (organized and easy to follow?)
- Evidence quality (specific, credible sources?)
- Impact clarity (explained why it matters?)
Rebuttal speeches:
- Response effectiveness (addressed opponent's case?)
- Extension of own case (carried own arguments forward?)
Summary speeches:
- Voting issues clarity (gave clear reasons to vote for them?)
- Argument coverage (addressed the right things?)
Final Focus speeches:
- Clear story (painted a coherent picture of the round?)
- Weighing (explained why their impacts matter more?)
Tip: Hover over the ⓘ icon next to any question for examples and clarification.
Accessing Key Views
Timeline (View Past Speeches)
Button location: Top right corner (labeled "Timeline")
What it shows:
- Full transcripts of all speeches
- Your notes organized by stage
- Stage-by-stage navigation
When to use:
- Verify what was said in earlier speeches
- Check exact evidence citations
- Review your real-time impressions
AI Analysis (Starting with Rebuttals)
Location: Appears as columns during later speeches
"What Just Happened" column:
- Summary of previous speaker's arguments
- Click "See full details" for claim/warrant/impact breakdown
Argument Tracker column:
- All arguments identified in the round
- Status indicators (contested, dropped, frontlined, extended)
- Click any argument for full structure
Where to find post-round:
- Dashboard → Click your round → "View Details"
- Complete analysis with flow diagrams, trajectory charts, voting issues
Speaker Point Scale
Standard 25-30 scale for Public Forum:
| Points | Description |
|---|---|
| 30 | Exceptional. Best speaker you've seen in a long time. |
| 29 | Excellent. Very strong performance, few if any flaws. |
| 28.5 | Very good. Strong overall, minor areas for improvement. |
| 28 | Good. Solid performance with some room to grow. |
| 27.5 | Average. Competent but noticeable weaknesses. |
| 27 | Below average. Significant areas needing improvement. |
| 26 | Weak. Struggled in multiple areas. |
| 25 or below | Extremely poor. Major fundamental issues. |
Tip: DebateFlow suggests ranges based on your clarity and persuasiveness ratings. If you rated someone 4-5 consistently, they're likely in the 28.5-29 range.
Common Issues & Quick Fixes
Microphone Not Working
Problem: Recording isn't starting or no transcription appearing
Quick fix:
- Check browser permissions (click padlock icon in address bar)
- Allow microphone access for the site
- Refresh the page
- Test microphone by speaking—you should see audio levels respond
If still broken: Check Troubleshooting Guide
Accidentally Stopped Speech Too Early
Problem: Clicked Stop when debater was still speaking
Quick fix:
- Click "Restart" to resume recording
- The timer will pick up where it left off
- Transcription continues seamlessly
Timer Needs Reset ("Time starts with my first word")
Problem: Debater wants timer restarted
Quick fix:
- Click "Restart Timer" button (appears during speech)
- Timer resets to 0:00
- Recording continues without interruption
Can't Find My Assignments
Problem: Dashboard shows no upcoming rounds
Quick fix:
- Go to Settings
- Check that your Tabroom account is connected (green checkmark)
- If not connected, enter Tabroom username/password and click "Connect"
- Tabroom schematic must be published for assignments to appear
If still missing: Tabroom Integration Troubleshooting
App Feels Slow or Frozen
Problem: Interface is laggy or unresponsive
Quick fix:
- Close other tabs (browser memory issue)
- Disable browser extensions temporarily
- Check internet connection
- Refresh the page (your round progress is saved)
If frequent: Performance Troubleshooting
Crossfire Not Recording
This is normal! We do NOT record crossfire stages because it's too hard to attribute who's speaking.
What to do:
- Take good notes during crossfire
- Your notes are the only record of these stages
- Timer still works—click Start/Stop as usual
Keyboard Shortcuts
Currently, DebateFlow uses button clicks for all actions. Keyboard shortcuts may be added in future updates.
Workaround for power users:
- Use Tab to navigate between buttons
- Press Enter/Space to click focused button
- This can speed up post-speech assessments
Demo Mode (Practice Rounds)
How to enter Demo Mode:
- From dashboard, hold Cmd (Mac) or Ctrl (Windows)
- While holding, click "New Round"
- "Demo Mode" appears at top of interface
What works in Demo Mode:
- All interface elements and buttons ✓
- Stage progression and timers ✓
- Note-taking ✓
- Post-speech assessments ✓
- Decision wizard ✓
What doesn't work:
- Audio recording (no mic needed) ✗
- Transcription ✗
- AI analysis (no data to analyze) ✗
Perfect for: Practicing before your first real round, exploring features without time pressure, familiarizing yourself with the workflow.
Support Resources
Full Guides:
- Getting Started - Your first steps with DebateFlow
- Recording Your Round - Complete recording interface guide
- Understanding AI Analysis - How AI helps track arguments
- Decision Wizard - Making your decision step-by-step
- Generating Feedback - Creating helpful feedback for teams
Help:
- FAQ - Common questions answered
- Troubleshooting - Detailed problem-solving guide
Need more help? Check the FAQ or use our contact form.
Tournament Day Checklist
Print this for tournament day
Before Tournament:
- ☐ Connect Tabroom account in Settings
- ☐ Test microphone on your device
- ☐ Charge laptop/tablet fully
- ☐ Practice with Demo Mode if it's your first time
Before Each Round:
- ☐ Close unnecessary tabs
- ☐ Verify good internet connection
- ☐ Check that assignment details match schematic
- ☐ Confirm recording consent from both teams
During Round:
- ☐ Take notes on impressions, not transcription
- ☐ Answer post-speech assessments thoughtfully
- ☐ Take good notes during crossfire (not recorded)
After Round:
- ☐ Review voting issues in Decision Wizard
- ☐ Assign speaker points based on your ratings
- ☐ Generate or write feedback (3 C's method)
- ☐ Copy ballot to Tabroom and submit