Basic Training

What is debating?

LUDS practice British parliamentary debate that is:

• A structured argument about a certain topic (motion)

• Between two sides and four teams. The proposition (Government) and the opposition.

• Eight speeches of 5 or 7 minute duration. Made up of arguments from your own personal knowledge, there is no outside evidence

• The aim is to convince the Chair person that your team has been the most convincing (through your reasoning, arguments and explanations) and therefore deserve to win the debate.

Teams

• Two sides to the debate (prop and opp), each side divided again into two teams 1st prop, 2nd prop,1st opp, 2nd opp.

• Each team is made up of two people, with slightly differing roles.

• Your team is chosen through the luck of the draw

Positions and Roles

Chair person

Speakers podium

1st opp

2nd opp

1st prop

2nd prop

In favour Against

Order of Speakers

The speakers make their arguments in this order:Prime MinisterLeader of the OppositionDeputy Prime MinisterDeputy Leader of the OppositionMember of GovernmentMember of the OppositionGovernment whipOpposition whip

Roles

1st prop, 1st speaker: Define the debateSets out the line of the prop sideIdentify the problem with societyTell us what you will do and how you will

do it – mechanismMake the three most important arguments

Roles

Prop and opp second speakers:Add new points or back up your partnersRebut the earlier speechesAdd new information

Roles

Extension Speakers (2nd prop/ opp, 1st speaker):Add new points or extend points made by the earlier speakers.Rebut earlier speakersAdd new information

Roles

• Summation (2nd prop/opp, 2nd speaker):Sum up the debate as a wholeFind 3 points of clashShow how your side and team has won the

debateRebut previous speakers ( within speech)

Structure

• Introduce points (road map)• Rebuttle• 3 main points• Sum up

1st prop, 1st speaker:• Define problem- key terms, status quo• Mechanism• 3 points• Sum up

Timing

• 5 minute speeches• First and last minute protected• Up to 2 minutes rebuttal • Sum up only if you have time• Single bang ends or begins protected time• Two bangs signals 5 minute mark

Points of information

• Made in unprotected time (middle 3 mins)• RELEVANT questions to your opposition• Must stand up• Address your opposition as Sir or Madam• No longer than 15 seconds• Each speaker should aim to accept and make at least

one• Whether the POI is accepted is the speakers own

choice.• Flag your later points if second half of the table

• Stay involved if top half

Things never to do

• Knifing: Changing the mechanism, going against your partner or the first half of the table

• Squirreling: Changing the motion to suit your own terms

• Mentioning the Nazis: Do not liken anyone to Hitler or the Nazis. Bad form.

Practice Debate

THW tax unhealthy lifestyles