Basic Training

What is debating? LUDS practice British parliamentary debate that is: A structured argument about a certain topic (motion) Between two sides and four teams. The proposition (Government) and the opposition. Eight speeches of 5 or 7 minute duration. Made up of arguments from your own personal knowledge, there is no outside evidence The aim is to convince the Chair person that your team has been the most convincing (through your reasoning, arguments and explanations) and therefore deserve to win the debate.

Teams Two sides to the debate (prop and opp), each side divided again into two teams 1st prop, 2nd prop,1st opp, 2nd opp. Each team is made up of two people, with slightly differing roles. Your team is chosen through the luck of the draw

Positions and Roles Chair person Speakers podium 1 st opp 2 nd opp 1 st prop 2 nd prop In favour Against

Order of Speakers The speakers make their arguments in this order: Prime Minister Leader of the Opposition Deputy Prime Minister Deputy Leader of the Opposition Member of Government Member of the Opposition Government whip Opposition whip

Roles 1 st prop, 1 st speaker: Define the debate Sets out the line of the prop side Identify the problem with society Tell us what you will do and how you will do it – mechanism Make the three most important arguments

Roles Prop and opp second speakers: Add new points or back up your partners Rebut the earlier speeches Add new information

Roles Extension Speakers (2 nd prop/ opp, 1 st speaker): Add new points or extend points made by the earlier speakers. Rebut earlier speakers Add new information

Roles Summation (2 nd prop/opp, 2 nd speaker): Sum up the debate as a whole Find 3 points of clash Show how your side and team has won the debate Rebut previous speakers ( within speech)

Structure Introduce points (road map) Rebuttle 3 main points Sum up 1 st prop, 1 st speaker: Define problem- key terms, status quo Mechanism 3 points Sum up

Timing 5 minute speeches First and last minute protected Up to 2 minutes rebuttal Sum up only if you have time Single bang ends or begins protected time Two bangs signals 5 minute mark

Points of information Made in unprotected time (middle 3 mins) RELEVANT questions to your opposition Must stand up Address your opposition as Sir or Madam No longer than 15 seconds Each speaker should aim to accept and make at least one Whether the POI is accepted is the speakers own choice. Flag your later points if second half of the table Stay involved if top half

Things never to do Knifing: Changing the mechanism, going against your partner or the first half of the table Squirreling: Changing the motion to suit your own terms Mentioning the Nazis: Do not liken anyone to Hitler or the Nazis. Bad form.

Practice Debate THW tax unhealthy lifestyles