Preparation For A Debate
How to Prepare for a Debate
“People generally quarrel because they cannot
argue.” This quote by Gilbert K. Chesterton rings true when taking into
consideration any domestic argument. Debating is a method used to argue a topic
between individuals or team members. Generally debating is used to maintain
order while the opposed argue. Here are some helpful guidelines for the
preparation of a three aside parliamentary style debate.
Firstly, when
preparing for a three aside parliamentary style debate you must find out what
your motion is. Your motion tells what side or viewpoint of the topic you will
argue; this is key to determine where you will begin researching. A good debater
can see both sides of any topic. You can either be on the side of the opposition
or on the side of the proposition. The ‘prop’ are the promoters of the motion,
the ‘opp’ opposes against it.
Secondly, in preparing for this particular
kind of debate it is necessary to know the format. Knowing the expected debate
format is essential to both teams to ensure a smooth honest debate. The format
for a three aside parliamentary style debate follows an alternate pattern
starting with the propositions first speaker, and then the first speaker of the
opposition follows. This alternation continues for the other team members as
well. Each speaker has a maximum talk time of three minutes. The chairperson
will conduct the debate, and is seated in the middle with the ‘prop’ on his
right and the ‘opp’ on his left. During the debate the chairperson is in charge
and their word is final and must be followed. The chairperson will introduce the
speakers, and also thank them when their talk time has ended.
During this
parliamentary debate points of information are allowed by the team that is
silent while the other speaks. Any points of information that a team wishes to
make are not allowed during the first and last minutes of the speaker’s
argument. This restricts all points of information to a one-minute window. The
procedure for adding a point is critical. The team member will stand and say
“Point of Information”, at this time he must wait for the speaker’s response of
‘accept’ or ‘reject’. If accepted the point is limited to one short phrase of
roughly 10 words. At any time the speaker can stop the point and continue on
with his or her argument. If the point is rejected the opposed must sit
immediately and no point is made. A good debater can respond to a point made by
the opposite team and then continue where they left off
uninterrupted.
Our third guideline in preparing for a parliamentary style
debate is the function of each team member. The first member of the proposition
introduces their motion and defines it. Once it is defined they outline their
case line and division given to each speaker. As a result of the topic being
divided amongst each team member, research is also conducted according to that
division. Generally, the first ‘opp’ will need to ask their self, “What am I
defining and what are its advantages?” The next to speak will be the first
speaker of the opposition. This speaker will either agree or disagree with the
proposition’s definition. However, most times it is best to go with the
definition given as to avoid straying away from the given motion. It will be
necessary during research for the first speaker of the ‘opp’ to ask their self,
“ Why am I opposing this motion?” and be able to explain the answer.
To
rebut is to cement your argument around your definition. Hence, the roles of the
second and third speakers are unchanging from one team to the next. The second
speaker gives the information, which is the rebuttal process, followed by his
case. Unlike the first speaker who does not rebuttal the second speaker’s
argument is virtually 50% rebuttal. The third speaker brings it all towards
conclusion and lays it on thick holding together his argument with those of his
team members, his points are all rebuttal. At this time all the speakers have
spoken and the debate is closed by the speaker thanking the members of both
teams, the debate is over. Now the process begins of deciding which team will be
deemed victorious. However, judging is optional and not all debates end in a
winner looser situation. If points are given, it should be noted that
justifiable points of information will be awarded points.