1. An Overview By: Christina Weber
High School Debates:
An Overview
By: Christina Weber

2. What is Debating? Formal and persuasive public speaking
Is usually improvised or researched
Investigates two sides of an issue
Usually nuanced and refined- not polarized
Arguments are evaluated and weighed by audience or judge
Two forms: 1) Parliamentary; 2) Policy

3. Parliamentary Debate

4. Components Modeled on the Canadian Parliament
Impromptu style of debate which requires no background knowledge or research
Emphasis on rebuttal and cogent thinking
Ability to think under pressure and react
Four players: PM, MC, MO and LO
Resolution presented: 10 min. preparation
Structured and timed debate: 34 minutes

5. Rules and Pointers Respect all members of the debate
Refrain from talking to your partner while debate is in process – pass notes only
Do not make personal attacks or comments
Take copious notes during debate and number your points of argumentation and rebuttal
Address the speaker “Mr.” or “Madame Speaker”
Speak clearly and confidently
Make eye contact!

6. Setting a Resolution
Students will only have minutes to prepare for the debate
Resolution topics usually focus on world issues, pop-culture, media etc.
Government (PM and MC) define and refine resolution “Be it resolved that…”
Opposition has to anticipate Government arguments and resolution

7. The Players The Speaker The Government: “PM” stands for Prime Minister
“MC” stands for Minister of Crown
The Opposition:
“MO” stands for Member of Opposition
“LO” stands for Leader of the Opposition

8. The Speaker: impartial judge
Moderates
Takes notes

9. The Prime Minister Speech 7 minutes Opens the debate
Defines the resolution
at beginning of speech
States Government’s side and main points of its argument
Foreshadows MC speech

10. Member of Opposition Speech 7 minutes “Fast thinker”
Rebuts PM’s points
Clarifies resolution
Counters Government’s case
Presents two or three opposition arguments

11. Minister of the Crown Speech 7 minutes Second Speaker of Government
Refutes Opposition’s case respectfully
Reconstructs PM’s arguments
Adds constructive arguments

12. Leader of the Opposition
Speech 10 minutes
Identifies debate’s fundamental philosophical principles
Strengthens Opposition’s case
No new arguments in last 3 minutes- only summary

13. Prime Minister: Closing
Speech 3 minutes
No new arguments or points introduced
Summarizes and restates Government case
Rebuts LO points
Provides conclusion

14. After the Debate Speaker thanks the debaters for the debate
Debaters exit the room to allow speaker to reflect or speakers to confer- debaters called in
Speaker provides debaters with general comments and feed-back
Debaters should not “debate” speaker’s comments or become defensive
Speaker discloses “winning team”
N.B. during formal competitions, results not disclosed until formal period at end

15. Find a Debate near you!
Universities across Canada host High School Debating Competitions – go and watch!
Volunteer your time as a competition judge
Local High Schools organize competitions
Regional Debating Competitions take place annually
Start a Debating Club at your school: get the Drama, English or Law teacher involved!

16. Sources McGill University Debating Union: www.ssmu.mcgill.ca/debate
Canadian University Society for Intercollegiate Debate:
For Policy Style i.e. US style Debate:
Columbia University

17. The End