High School Debates:

An Overview By: Christina Weber

What is Debating?
Formal and persuasive public speaking Is usually improvised or researched Investigates two sides of an issue Usually nuanced and refined- not polarized Arguments are evaluated and weighed by audience or judge Two forms: 1) Parliamentary; 2) Policy

Parliamentary Debate

Components

Modeled on the Canadian Parliament Impromptu style of debate which requires no background knowledge or research Emphasis on rebuttal and cogent thinking Ability to think under pressure and react Four players: PM, MC, MO and LO Resolution presented: 10 min. preparation Structured and timed debate: 34 minutes

Rules and Pointers

Respect all members of the debate Refrain from talking to your partner while debate is in process pass notes only Do not make personal attacks or comments Take copious notes during debate and number your points of argumentation and rebuttal Address the speaker Mr. or Madame Speaker Speak clearly and confidently Make eye contact!

Setting a Resolution
Students will only have 10-15 minutes to prepare for the debate Resolution topics usually focus on world issues, pop-culture, media etc. Government (PM and MC) define and refine resolution Be it resolved that Opposition has to anticipate Government arguments and resolution

The Players
The Speaker The Government: PM stands for Prime Minister MC stands for Minister of Crown The Opposition: MO stands for Member of Opposition LO stands for Leader of the Opposition

The Speaker: impartial judge

Moderates Takes notes

The Prime Minister

Speech 7 minutes Opens the debate Defines the resolution at beginning of speech States Governments side and main points of its argument Foreshadows MC speech

Member of Opposition

Speech 7 minutes Fast thinker Rebuts PMs points Clarifies resolution Counters Governments case Presents two or three opposition arguments

Minister of the Crown

Speech 7 minutes Second Speaker of Government Refutes Oppositions case respectfully Reconstructs PMs arguments Adds constructive arguments

Leader of the Opposition

Speech 10 minutes Identifies debates fundamental philosophical principles Strengthens Oppositions case No new arguments in last 3 minutes- only summary

Prime Minister: Closing

Speech 3 minutes No new arguments or points introduced Summarizes and restates Government case Rebuts LO points Provides conclusion

After the Debate

Speaker thanks the debaters for the debate Debaters exit the room to allow speaker to reflect or speakers to confer- debaters called in Speaker provides debaters with general comments and feed-back Debaters should not debate speakers comments or become defensive Speaker discloses winning team N.B. during formal competitions, results not disclosed until formal period at end

Find a Debate near you!

Universities across Canada host High School Debating Competitions go and watch! Volunteer your time as a competition judge Local High Schools organize competitions Regional Debating Competitions take place annually Start a Debating Club at your school: get the Drama, English or Law teacher involved!

Sources
McGill University Debating Union: www.ssmu.mcgill.ca/debate Canadian University Society for Intercollegiate Debate: www.cusid.ca For Policy Style i.e. US style Debate:

Columbia University www.columbia.edu/cu/debate/oldsites/2002/styles.htm

The End