The Debate

What is DEBATE? Debate is a structured discussion Two teams: the affirmative and the negative

Styles of debate Discussion (good for beginners, four constructive speeches, followed by questions) Cross-Examination (similar to the court room) Parliamentary (like the Legislature or House of Commons)

Terminology of the debate Resolution Be it resolved that Samsung produces a better telephone than Apple Affirmative (proposition) Arguing for the resolution Negative (oppostion) Arguing against the resolution Rebuttal

Structure of an argument Claim Statement of possible truth Dogs are better pets than cats Warrant Support for claim They go outside to do their business Impact Importance of claim They don’t stink up the house!

Listening Skills are CRITICAL! Goal: understanding the speaker’s thoughts, ideas, feelings, and needs Put own ideas aside Actively respond

Listening Etiquette Give the speaker your full attention Do not interrupt or change the subject Do not judge or form an opinion until you have heard everything the speaker is saying Ensure understanding (paraphrase, summarize, ask) Use encouraging non-verbal cues: Maintain eye contact Facial expressions Body language and gestures

Using I-messages I-messages help express what you feel without attacking Example: “You” message: “You selfish jerk! You think the TV belongs to you. Well, it’s my turn now.” “I” message: “I feel annoyed when you switch the channel without asking. I want to be able to watch my show all the way through.”

3 – basic parts to an I-message I feel… I feel very frustrated when… when you do not complete your work because… because it puts our entire team behind schedule.

Debate rules 1. Each team consists of two people, and the teams are called the “Proposition” and “Opposition”. Individual speakers are referred to as its First and Second Speakers.

2. The speaking order is as follows: First Proposition Speaker - Constructive Speech 8 minutes First Opposition Speaker - Constructive Speech 8 minutes Second Proposition Speaker - Constructive Speech 8 minutes Second Opposition Speaker - Constructive Speech 8 minutes First Opposition Speaker - Summary/Rebuttal 4 minutes First Proposition Speaker - Summary/Rebuttal 4 minutes

Speeches The first proposition speaker has to: define the terms establish the caseline and give the case division (who covers what points give two or three constructive arguments make the team’s approach crystal clear.

The first opposition speaker must: clash with the points just made by the first proposition advance the caseline, case division and first two arguments of the opposition side be evaluated on the overall effectiveness of the speech

The second proposition speaker has to: clash with the case presented by the first opposition speaker should advance one or two more constructive arguments take time to rebuild the proposition case.

The second opposition speaker should: introduce one or two constructive arguments time to clash with the new constructive matter presented by the second proposition summarize the opposition case presented. He/she should NOT engage in an overall summary / rebuttal of the debate.

Summary/Rebuttal The first speaker on each side, starting with the Opposition, will deliver a four minute summary / rebuttal speech. speakers should attempt to summarize the key themes or ideas that have taken place in the debate put the debate in context and explain the ‘crux’, or the internal logic of both cases and explains why, on this basis, his/her team has to win

This is the final opportunity for a team to convince the judge why his/her team has won the round.

Read rule sheet about Points of Information

Planning ALWAYS take notes when researching! See Research Note-Taking Form for Debates

First Proposition Speaker Definitions Background information   The Steps of a Debate Time Speaker Task 8 minutes First Proposition Speaker Definitions Background information General plan First main argument First Opposition Speaker Counter definitions presented by 1st proposition speaker Refute 1st proposition speaker’s main argument General plan for counterarguments Present first main counterargument 5 minutes Second Proposition Speaker Refute 1st opposition speaker Strengthen argument offered by your teammate Introduce 2nd main argument

Second Opposition Speaker Refute 2nd proposition speaker   5 minutes Second Opposition Speaker Refute 2nd proposition speaker Strengthen argument offered by your teammate Introduce 2nd main argument 6 minutes Third Proposition Speaker Refute 2nd opposition speaker Strengthen arguments offered by your teammates Introduce final main argument Conclusion Third Opposition Speaker Refute 3rd proposition speaker