Tips for being effective in Parliamentary Debate By Jim Hanson and Diana Thompson Courtesy of West Coast Debate

When doing points of Information (Questions) Look at your judge. You are trying to convince your judge, not your oppostion. Ask questions that are difficult to answer. Put your opponents on the spot. Don’t ask questions that allow your opponents to explain the good points of their arguments.

When you respond to arguments Tell your judge what argument you are addressing. Structure adds clarity to the round. Sign Post - Before you address arguments in your speech, tell the judge where you will be going - For example, “First, I will present oppositions off-case positions and then I will directly respond to the government case.” Attack your opponent’s arguments, NOT the person. If you are personally attacked you can call a “Point of Privilege” (lets the judge know you are upset). If the judge says, “Point well Taken,” the abuser may lose speaker points.

Starting your speech Always start a speech with an introduction, it helps build credibility with your judge. The best way to do this is to summarize your position (providing a clear thesis for your judge to follow). Start positive with YOUR argument. “We show that a national health insurance program will…” Don’t begin with “Our opponents have said…” That will focus your judge’s attention on your opponent’s arguments.

Abbreviations you may encounter THB - this house believes THBT - this house believes that IMHO - in my humble opinion

Avoid jargon in your debates NO: “They dropped the B2 argument (with no further explanation.” YES: “They did not address our B2 argument that SUV’s are major contributors to carbon emissions.” NO: “Turn this disad (without further explanation).” YES: “Our proposal will reduce costs meaning we avoid excessive government spending, a further advantage to our proposal.”

Avoid Jargon (continued) NO: “Move down the flow.” YES: “Turn to the next issue.” NO: “On the top of flow.” YES: “The first point was…” Try to find persuasive, real life terms to explain your arguments. Parli is designed so your grandmother can walk in and judge.