Presentation by Jessica Prince March 13, 2010 The Pre-competition for the 14 th FLTRP Cup National English Debating Competition 1

 Review  Role of the Opening Opposition Team  Strategic Considerations in All Debates  Strategic Considerations in Some Debates  Role of the Leader of the Opposition  Role of the Deputy Leader of the Opposition  Questions? 2

 What we’ve learned so far…  4 teams ▪ Opening Proposition & Opening Opposition ▪ Closing Proposition & Closing Opposition  2 speakers per team, so 8 speeches in total  Speeches are 7 minutes long 3

 Prime Minister (1 st speech)  model, arguments  Leader of the Opposition (2 nd speech)  rebuttal, arguments  Deputy Prime Minister (3 rd speech)  rebuttal, arguments, reconstruction  Deputy Leader of the Opposition (4 th speech)  rebuttal, arguments, reconstruction 4

1) To counter the Opening Proposition’s case / arguments 2) To construct an Opening Opposition case / arguments that will be:  difficult for the Opening and Closing Propositions to rebut, and  difficult for the Closing Opposition to extend from 5

How do you do that?  Two main tools: 1) Rebuttal of Opening Proposition 2) Substantive Arguments of Your Own 6

 1. Taking a Position  What is your team’s position / stance / theme?  Examples : ▪ Defense of the status quo ▪ New proposal ▪ Philosophical principle ▪ Flaws of the Opening Proposition’s plan  Relate all arguments back to this position 7

 2. Picking the ‘Right’ Arguments  When preparing, ask yourself: What are the most important / relevant / interesting issues? ▪ Frame your arguments around those issues  During the debate, ask yourself: What are the best arguments being made by Opening Proposition? ▪ Focus your rebuttal around those arguments 8

 3. Staying Relevant in the Debate  Weight of your case / arguments  Points of Information ▪ Disadvantage of Opening Opposition: you speak first on your bench ▪ So, POIs are *not* optional! ▪ Offer at least 4 per speech in second half ▪ Focus of POIs: your team position / stance / theme. Force the speaker to discuss your best material! 9

 1. Definitional Challenges  PM introduces a model that is a squirrel, a truism, an unreasonable time / place setting, or is otherwise unarguable.  What does the LO do? A definitional challenge.  Explain problem(s) with the PM’s model  Re-define the motion  Debate on those grounds  Strategic point: this is always a last resort! 10

 2. Counter-Propositions  PM introduces a legitimate model, and you want to counter by proposing a different model.  What does the LO do? A counter-proposition.  Explain the issues with the PM’s proposal  Introduce your proposal & explain: ▪ A) why it’s mutually exclusive, and ▪ B) why it’s better  Engage the debate in terms of both proposals  Strategic point: this is nearly always a last resort! 11

 To set out the opposition to the motion & establish the clash in the debate.  Specifically, 1) To counter the Opening Proposition’s case, and 2) To construct an Opening Opposition case 12

Content of Speech:  1. IF there is a definitional challenge, it must happen at the beginning of the LO speech.  2. Rebuttal of the PM’s speech.  3. Introduce Opening Opposition’s position / stance / theme.  4. Announce the team split.  5. Offer at least 2 substantive arguments. 13

 To continue the opposition to the motion.  Specifically, 1) To continue to counter the Opening Proposition’s case, 2) To continue to construct an Opening Opposition case, and 3) To reconstruct the LO’s arguments. 14

Content of Speech:  1. Rebuttal of the Deputy PM’s speech.  2. Reiterate Opening Opposition’s position / stance / theme.  3. Offer at least 1 more substantive argument.  4. IF time allows, reconstruct the LO’s arguments.  5. Summarize the opening half of debate. 15

 Role of the Opening Opposition Team: 1) Counter the Opening Proposition’s case, and 2) Construct an Opening Opposition case  Strategic Considerations in All Debates: 1) Taking a Position 2) Making the ‘Right’ Arguments 3) Staying Relevant in the Debate  Strategic Considerations in Some Debates: 1) Definitional Challenges 2) Counter-Propositions 16

 Role of the Leader of the Opposition : 1) Counter the Opening Proposition’s case, and 2) Construct an Opening Opposition case  Role of the Deputy Leader of the Opposition : 1) Continue to counter the Opening Proposition’s case, 2) Continue to construct an Opening Opposition case, and 3) Reconstruct the LO’s arguments 17

 Thank you!  Questions??? 18