Points of information

General info Max 15 seconds 1-2 POIs during a speech 1st and last minute protected Point of clarification 1st speaker’s speech About definition / plant Obliged to take this point Introduction 15 seconds 1 POI per a 5 min speech, 1-2 POIs during a 7 minute speech 1st and last minute of the speech – protected from POIs time signal indicates these points POC can be asked during the first speakers speech about the DEFINITION – crucial for the debate if about castration – POC (chemical or cut of balls) not – do you think it is ethical (that is a debate – not definition) if say POC – need to take it

Important because Fun visuals Time of the debate when the judge sees confrontation with the other side Helps to establish your credibility in the room Helps to stay active during the debate No more important skills than the ability to answer difficult questions Important because Time of the debate when the judge sees confrontation with the other side sees the relative comparison and gives the judge the opportunity to compare Helps to establish the credibility in the room others cannot answer can use the answers against others Helps to stay active during the debate If you are the 1 GOV There are no more important skills than the ability to answer difficult questions well Pitch, parents

Making a POI Offering the point Prepare your POI Timing Stand up Be short and respectful Speaker has the floor Be active All about the judge’s psychology Prepare your POI Be short and clear Only things which are crucial for the debate Timing During transitions in the speech Offering the point Stand up don’t wave your hand and be like “heeey” Sir / Madam, On that point, Point, Point of information short and respectful The speaker has the floor When you raise for the point – cannot speak until given the permission Need to be active not every 5 seconds (every 30 seconds is sufficient) however, need to stay active show the judge that you have something to say show the judge that you disagree with what has been said even if does not take points – keep trying It is all about the judge psychology If stand up, the judge thinks what is the reason behind standing up Judge starts to think whether the speaker said something really stupid If all 4 stand up – how dumb things has the speaker said need to watch the judge when raise for a POI to see whether there is any feedback from the judge (both when the question is asked and answered) when make an eye contact – believe that you are telling the truth (+ personal connection) Prepare your POI Need to prepare your POIs write down the point and be specific do not stand up and be like “aaaahh” not a random question – need to be strategically aimed do not ask “do you think it is a problem?” – “well, yes, that is why I debate about that” can prepare together with the partner and both stand up and try to ask it POI needs to be short You only have 15 sec The longer the POI – the longer time the speaker has to think about the answer You can be (and will be) sat down after 15 sec It makes you look in command of the debate do not ask 2 part questions say only the things which make an impact on the debate if say something you can use against them – DO IT Timing timing not right after have taken a point most probably – during transitions during the speech when move between different arguments or between rebuttal and arguments

Taking a POI Dismissing a POI When to take a POI “ No, thank you” Waive down When to take a POI Not right after rebuttal When convenient to you From whom to take a POI The strongest team From the other half If no idea how to answer the POI “ I am glad you asked that question – my answer is…” “I will answer that question during the speech” How to dismiss the point 2 ways: “No, thank you” or waive down preferably waive down as it does not interrupt your speech do not do that if you are not in a debate no judge wants to vote for someone who is plain rude When do you take a POI probably not right after the rebuttal (as will talk about their speech) when your material is brought in so that you can make it stronger when you want to take them – when it is convenient for you do not ask others to give you POIs looks weak and seems that you do not have anything to say Who to take points from from the strongest ones If 1st half – from the second half (to have the opportunity to interact) If you are 2nd half – be careful to not put out too much information as the 1st half might steal your extension If have no idea how to answer the question do not say “aaahh, aaah – let’s move on” you say “I am glad you asked that question – my answer is….” get more time to think about the question seem to be in command must say something relevant in the end you say “I will answer that question during the speech” should actually answer

Refutation

Rebuttal Description Structure Defensive vs. offensive Attack critical points Incorporate in your case Do not refute everything Structure They say… We disagree… Because… Therefore… Defensive vs. offensive Defensive The problem is not that big Offensive Your plan will create 3 major problems refutation attack CRITICAL points of the opponents position (not everything – the main ideas not each example) preferably, it should be to some extent incorporated in your case – interaction structure (4-step process) they say… (identify the argument you are answering so that the judge can follow) we disagree… (show your position) why… (explain why the things they say are useless) therefore… (what does it mean that you have disproved the argument – significance of disputing it (won the debate, just made it irrelevant)) defensive vs. offensive argumentation (defensive << offensive) defensive: the problem is not that big of a problem possibly shows the weakness of the government but not a reason to oppose offensive: your plan will create these 3 major problems reasons why should vote for the opposition

Importance of arguments Is it an independent argument? Does it prove that the resolution is true? Is the arguments missing a necessary component? Argument Is it about consequential point in the debate? which are the important arguments (5 questions) Does this argument prove that the resolution is true? Is this an independent argument or it is linked to / dependent on another argument? Is this argument about a not consequential point the debate? If does not matter – do not correct every mistake of their case? How much time did the opponent spent on the argument? Is the argument missing a necessary component? (can simply point out the missing point) priority of refutation every argument does not deserve the same time of refutation if it is dumb – acknowledge it but do not spend too much time on it refute the points assuming that they are explained in the best possible way makes your case stronger How much time did the opponent spent on the argument?

More information Fun visuals Lecture on POIs by Alfred Snider Lecture on refutation by Kenneth Newby The Economist debate on the motion IDEA debate on the motion