1. Points of Information(POIs))
Thanks to Ionut Stefan

2. Points of Information(POIs)
Short interruptions in the speech of somebody on the opposing side
Allowed only outside of protected time
Can be accepted(in which case you say the POI) or refused(in which case you have to sit down) by the speaker
1 MIN
3 MINUTES
1 MIN

3. Roadmap
Types of POI’s and Purposes
Phrasing
Examples
Extra tips

4. But first... POI’s are an underrated and under-used resource
POI’s can bring you up, BUT they can also drag you down
Things to consider
Effects of offering
Content
Motive underpinning content
Reaction to elicited response

5. Types of POI’s Points of Clarification(Special case) Question
Bending the mech towards yourself
Question
To get to agree(for example on a value in the debate)
Challenging facts
Time waster(both for you/for them)
Statement
Furthering your own argument(keeping yourself relevant in the debate)
All can be strategically used to win a debate! (or at least place you higher)

6. Phrasing
Clear, concise POI’s are powerful(=not necessarily short, but on point)
Judges get them
Speaker cannot shove them off as ‘confusing’
Write it down, and read it to yourself in your mind
Check it with your partner
If factually contradicting somebody
Don’t make it a question to which it is obvious to say ‘no, that’s exactly what I’ve been saying’ to. Make it a question that forces the opponent to engage with your case.
Also take into account the amount of analysis that had gone into the point you are trying to disprove

7. Example 1: ‘The Leading Question’
Worlds Final 2001
Motion:THW elect its judges
POI: How often will you re-elect your judges?
Response: ‘I don’t know why you’re nitpicking, but let’s make it 6 years’
Enitre line made available for Opposition
CO won
Correct response something like: ‘For life’ or ‘A fixed term, i.e. No re- election’

8. Example 2: ‘The Last Chance That was Missed’
Worlds Octo-Finals 2005
Motion:THBT it is time for an ASEAN Parliament
POI: Are you really saying that Indonesia should have 65 times the voting power of Singapore?
Response: ‘Absolutely’
Phrasing suggests incredulity in the PM’s proposal
Response wrong because of pressure. Lots of mockery followed

9. Example 3: ‘Information and Ignorance’
Motion: TH Supports and extended European Union
POI to PM: ‘Have you heard of the Shengen Convention?’
Response: ‘No, I haven’t’
Rebuttal that followed:’Let me tell you about Shengen, and what it means for your case’
Instead of an obvious POI, masked as a question of knowledge
Speaker’s ignorance hurt their credibility
Even an adequate response would have left room for rebuttal
Take care with these- they need to be relevant, otherwise you’ll just make adjuticators angry

10. Extra tips!
Important: Link the POI’s to the case/clash during your speech
Think of some before the round(if you have any good ideas)
Do not POI your extension(if Closing)
As PM be careful on what might seem harmless POI’s
Write them down- a lot more powerful if coeherent
Keep them standing for a while(they are not writing)
Be confident!!(both offering and taking)

11. Questions? (You can pretend it to be a POI)