1. What is a Debate? an argument with rules
two teams present a resolution (sometimes called a proposition) or topic that they will debate
Timed arguments
One team is for the resolution (PRO or affirmative) and the other team is (AGAINST or negative)
a judge decides at the end of the debate who is the winner (based on point system)

2. Order of Speaking
Very important
Cannot be changed
See handout

3. The 3 major parts of a debate
CONSTRUCTIVE SPEECH
CROSS EXAMINATION
REBUTTAL

4. 1. CONSTRUCTIVE SPEECH Begins with BIRT (Be it resolved that…)
States 3 or 4 supporting points first
Then elaborates on each one
Plan your strategy (for e.g., go from strongest to weakest)
Recap at the end

5. 2. CROSS-EXAMINATION Most difficult part Thinking on your feet
Question the validity of your
opponents' constructive speech by source, date, relevance
Show their weakest points
Question them aggressively
Start with general questions then get really specific
Undermine the evidence

6. 3. REBUTTAL Designed to argue the case made
It's your time to point out the inconsistences, absurdities, and illogical argurments of your opponents.
Provides the opportunity for speakers to critique their opponents' arguments
Absolutely no new evidence may be presented during this time
It's time to do some final damage here

7. Important:
The first speaker in a debate must make sure that the resolution is clearly stated and defined.
Make sure you speak clearly: the general rule for public speaking is to speak half as fast and twice as loud as you usually would

8. What is the Resolution? The topic of the debate
The point on which both parties have agreed to debate
Always stated in the positive
Begins with the phrase (BIRT):
Be it resolved that …

9. Some examples:
Be it resolved that Canada is a better place to live than the U.S.A.
NOT
Be it resolved that Canada is not a better place to live than the U.S.A.

10. And …
Be it resolved that all public schools in Canada should make uniforms mandatory for all students.
NOT
Be it resolved that all public schools should not make uniforms mandatory for all students.

11. Debating Tips and Strategies
There are many ways to structure a debate
In this class, you will follow the handouts carefully and the time allotments will not
>There are as many different styles and forms of debates as there are debtaes

12. DON’T attack your opponents.
DON’T side track your opponents with irrelevant points, stay on topic.
DON’T attack your opponents.
DO stick to your planned, researched arguments.

13. TIPS
Cue cards can help a debater to stay focused, but DON’T read from them, use them as a guide.
Speak to the audience or moderator, not the teacher.

14. DO thoroughly research your topic and position, the best start to squashing a rebuttal is a well researched, well designed presentation.
DON’T simply state facts:
This is the path to being a dull speaker
Not stating sources or not backing up statements can lead to heavy rebuttal from your opponents
Make sure you are presenting an informed position, being proven wrong is damaging and embarrassing, things everyone wants to avoid
Be an exciting speaker, be animated, monotone or dry speaking will bore your audience, not win them over
Debating is equal parts Substance and Presentation

15. DO use humor and / or anecdotes in your speaking:
Using examples helps illustrate your position, and uses an argument of precedence
Make sure your information is appropriate
MAKE SURE you do not insult or offend with your anecdotes / jokes, they can be very powerful tools when used properly

16. IMPORTANT
TIME IS A VERY IMPORTANT FACTOR IN A DEBATE……………….

17. DO be aware of time constraints, if there are any.
Practice your initial speech so you will be “on top” of the situation.
Know what it feels like to speak for the allotted length of time, speaking too much or not enough weakens your position.
Knowing and being ready for time constraints will make you appear better organized for your debate, it will also make you less nervous about speaking publicly

18. DON’T try to “juggle” too many points at once
DON’T try to “juggle” too many points at once. State your ideas in a logical order.
TIP: the more you practice and plan your speaking, the less nervous you will be.
DON’T use inappropriate language or gestures:
People will ignore your information if not presented in an appropriate manner.

19. Remember:
Any argument that you do not address in a rebuttal will be left in the memory of others as your opponents stated it.
Likewise, any rebuttal from your opponents that you do not address will also be left in the minds of your audience / judges.
In order to be the most effective, you need to make strong, solid points about your topic, but you also need to take apart your opponents points

20. DO be aware of what your partner(s) plans are.
Having a strategy worked out for your side ahead of time will definitely help you win your debate by being unified and prepared enough to stay collected
DON’T work alone and risk being redundant, make the most of your team’s time.

21. DO recycle information in your closing speech.
Remember:The closing speaker(s) should sum up all relevant arguments and rebuttals without introducing any new information.

22. Follow these tips and suggestions, and everything will come together for a successful debate!!!