1. The Debate

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

3. 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)

4. 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

5. 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!

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

7. 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

8. 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.”

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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

12. 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.

13. 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

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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

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

18. Read rule sheet about Points of Information

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

20. 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

21. 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