East of Scotland Debater guidelinesfor participation in competitive debating

east of scotland

UNIVERSITY of ST ANDREWSUNION DEBATING SOCIETY

UNIVERSITY of ABERDEENDEBATER

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We live now in an age that demands that information is conveyed in a variety of forms. Paradoxically,the growth of this phenomenon has heralded a return to the ancient art of debating. The AncientGreeks may not have had debating competitions such as this one, but nonetheless debating wascentral to their culture. Modern-day debaters gain many important skills though their interest.These skills prove useful not only within the boundaries of competitive debating, but are alsotransferable to a multitude of other areas in life. The ability to think quickly, organise and analysematerial, and then to present a point of view effectively and eloquently is one which, withoutdoubt, is developed through debating; and is universally valuable. The debating competitionprovides an opportunity for young people to learn and develop these skills, which are so valuableto both the individual and to society.

This competition follows the rules and procedure of British Parliamentary (BP) Style debating.Four teams of two speakers debate a motion, two in proposition and two in opposition. Themotions are all based on current affairs, but cover issues of politics, morality, society, or eveneconomics, which the participants must be prepared to confront.

Speeches are of five minutes in duration, with the first and last minutes protected from interruptionsand points of information. In unprotected time opposing speakers are permitted to offer pointsof information.

Within a debate, teams are assigned specific positions on the table, all of which have distinctresponsibilities and require different skills. The opening teams for each side set up the debatewhile the closing teams for each side offer additional arguments before finally offering a summationof the whole debate.

This is a very brief introduction to debating; there are fuller details within this guidebook. It willaddress three areas of guidance for competitors, focusing on content, strategy and style. It shouldbe useful both for those making their first speeches, but also of assistance to experienced debaters.

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Information

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Competition Rules

1. Entrants must be in S1, S2 or S3 or of an equivalent age. For the year 2010-2011, this will bepupils who are born after March 1996.

2. If any school wishes to enter more than one team, its application will only be accepted whenthis does not prevent other schools from taking part in the competition.

3. If a team cannot attend a debate due to adverse weather conditions, or any unforeseencircumstances, it will be deemed to have withdrawn. However, the regional convenor may usehis/her discretion to arrange another debate at a different time or place.

4. Participating schools are requested to make every effort to maintain a team in the competitiononce a tie has been arranged. In the event that a team member is unable to participate:

• A substitution may be made of another eligible (junior) pupil who has not already competed in the tournament. This team may retain competitive status and in subsequentrounds must then proceed with the replacement team member.

• If such a replacement cannot be found, a pupil who has already participated may be substituted. In this case the team will no longer be competitive.

• If no suitable junior pupils are available, any of the participating schools may bring a swing speaker to make up a team, so that the tie may go ahead. This may include experienced senior debaters who will be able to speak to a long-prep topic at short noticebut who are asked not to intimidate the younger pupils.

5. In all disputes, the independent adjudicator’s verdict is final.

Contact Details

The organization of this competition will be electronic in its nature. Communications can be sentto the following e-mail addresses:

Region Convenor E-mail AddressAberdeen Area Mike Elder m.elder@rgc.aberdeen.sch.ukAngus Area Malcolm Smart websmartm@webstershigh.angus.sch.ukDundee Area Irene McGrath immcgrath@dundeehigh.dundeecity.sch.ukPerth and Kinross Pamela Boal pboal@morrisonsacademy.org

Competition eastofscotlanddebater@googlemail.com

Competition Sponsorship

The regional convenors are very grateful to GSK (Montrose) for their financial support of thiscompetition. We look forward to welcoming them to the judging panel for later rounds of thecompetition.

Complaints

Any complaints regarding adjudication should be directed to the independent adjudicator, GregMurray, who can be contacted at gregmurray33@gmail.com. All other complaints should bedirected to the regional convenor (see above).

The decision of the independent adjudicator is final.

For Debaters

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Research

Two things affect this. The first is the sort of motion for debate. If it is something topical thennewspapers and magazines are a good way to learn the facts and arguments. If the debate ismore about principles then the library is a better place to find out things such as philosophicalpoints of view, or the general ideological issues surrounding it.

The Internet can be useful and most newspapers are available online, but be careful; there area lot of unreliable and irrelevant sites, which could seriously undermine your argument. Thesecond issue with research is that how much you do should depend on your table position.

The first and second speakers for both the proposition and opposition must all study the topicin depth as they need to provide a lot of information. While the third and fourth speakers oneach side of the table should also ensure that they know as much as they can about the topic,their main task is to listen to what the others are saying and react to this.

Also, while statistics are useful as evidence, it is the arguments that you produce that the judgesare interested in. Statistics alone are not arguments; a list of figures is very boring, not veryconvincing, and not really debating at all.

Analysis

Once you have finished your research you should then try to prepare your points. This does notmean writing a speech. Since everyone except the first speaker has to respond to the precedingspeaker it is impossible to predict what it will be necessary to talk about. Try to prepare a seriesof points, but don’t expect them all to be useful or applicable. The best way is to write down whatthe point is, then explain what this point means to the debate, then try to provide some evidenceto support your argument.

In a speech you should aim to make two to three points, and at least one of them will involverebuttal. The easiest way to organise these points is to write down the headings on A5 card, butleave space to write your notes during the debate. Some people like to write out their wholespeech and then read it out. This can work in some debates but is generally not recommended.

Debating is all about reacting to what has been said already. It is also more difficult to speak wellwhen you are reading. Notes are there to help you remember the key points, they are not a script.The judges will be well aware if you are using a prewritten speech, and it is highly unlikely anyonedoing so will progress to the next round.

Structure and Signposting

Every debate speech should have a similar basic structure. It should start with an introductionin which you indicate the main headings of the points you are going to mention in your speech.A general rule is to try to make two to three points in the course of a debating speech, althoughoccasion sometimes demands that four be made.

As was said above, every speaker after first proposition must include rebuttal (see Glossary) inat least one point. Then you come to the main speech. At the start of each point repeat theheading you used for it in the introduction. This is called signposting. Then explain your argumentbefore using evidence to support your argument. Repeat this for the second and third points aswell.

This should take you up to about four and a half minutes, at which point you make a conclusion.This is very similar to the introduction; simply repeat the headings of the three points, and thensay that these reasons mean that your side wins the debate. Some speakers like to finish on aperoration, a dramatic finishing sentence or two. You can prepare this if you want, although it isnot necessary. However, if you can produce an impressive couple of lines it can be persuasive,and that is what debating is about.

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Role on the Table

How you approach the debate, and your speech, is largely dictated by the position from whichyou are speaking on the table. The basic requirements of each position are explained below.While some positions are more difficult than others, the judges are aware of this and will markaccording to how well you fulfilled your role; realising that, for example, last opposition isconsiderably more difficult than first opposition, and that teams are often restricted by what firstproposition say.

1st Proposition Speaker

• Defines the motion. Good definitions should be clear and fair.• Outlines your team’s major arguments.• Describes what you and your partner will do.• Develops one, two or three main points.

1st Opposition Speaker

• If the definition given by the 1st proposition speakers is too narrow or doesn't make sense, explains this to the judges.

• Rebuts the most important arguments in the preceding speech.• Can also, if appropriate, develop a positive ‘counter-case’ (e.g. ‘We do not support

military action against Iran. We do, however, believe in imposing sanctions on countrieswhich harbour terrorists’). A counter case is by no means essential.

• Outlines the arguments that you and your partner will use. Develops one, two or three important arguments.

2nd Proposition Speaker

• Rebuts the most important arguments of the previous speaker, and defends your partner’s speech against attacks on it by the other side.

• Develops one or two important arguments.• Summarises the overall ‘case’ that you and your partner have presented.

2nd Opposition Speaker

• Rebuts the most important arguments of the previous speaker, and defends your partner’s speech against attacks on it by the other side.

• Develops one or two important arguments.• Summarises the overall ‘case’ that you and your partner have presented.

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3rd Proposition Speaker

• Rebuts the most important arguments of the previous speaker.• Describes what you and your partner will do and what new material they will introduce

to the debate.• Develops one or two main points. It is imperative that you bring something new to

the debate. This can be in the form of extension, that is, an additional argument, or can also be a more thorough analysis of a point already made. This is difficult to prepare for as you do not know in advance the arguments the first proposition team will use. This reinforces the need to listen carefully.

3rd Opposition Speaker

• Rebuts the most important arguments of the previous speaker and draws distinctions (if any) between the two proposition teams’ arguments.

• Attacks the new material brought to the table by the 3rd proposition speaker.• Describes what you and your partner will do.• Develops the key points their team wants to make. It is imperative that you bring

something new to the debate. This can be in the form of extension, that is, an additional argument, or can also be a more thorough analysis of a point already made.This is difficult to prepare for as you do not know in advance the arguments the first opposition team will use. This reinforces the need to listen carefully.

4th Proposition Speaker

• Rebuts the most important arguments of the previous speaker and draws distinctions (if any) between the two opposition teams arguments.

• Summates the entire case for the proposition teams. This is normally done by identifying the key arguments on which the two sides have clashed throughout the debate and showing why the proposition has won.

4th Opposition Speaker

• Refutes the arguments made by the last speaker and re-emphasises any differences between the proposition teams.

• Summates the entire case for the opposition. This is normally done by identifying the key arguments on which the two sides have clashed throughout the debate and showing why the opposition has won.

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Rebuttal

Rebuttal is where you respond to the arguments made by the opposite speaker. It is youropportunity to demonstrate why your opponent is wrong, and why his arguments don’t makesense. If this is done well it can effectively neutralise the preceding speaker, and therefore willreceive lots of credit from the judges. Every speaker after first proposition MUST engage withthe arguments of the other side. Engagement is what separates debating from public speaking.Someone who makes a weak speech but tries to engage will receive much more credit than awell-crafted speech that takes no account of what everyone else has said. This is another reasonwhy pre-prepared speeches are really not a good thing. During the course of your research youshould have come across your opponents' main arguments, but be prepared for somethingunusual to come up.

You can deal with your opponents' points in several ways. It is best if you can explain exactly whythey are wrong, but often they won’t be. When that occurs you have to try to pick out any possibleflaws, and explain why and how it is flawed. The statistic they use might be wrong, or could befrom an unreliable source. The point they make might contradict what their partner, or someoneon their side, has said. If you spot this then point it out, that way you get credit and they get badlypenalised by the judges. Sometimes you have to take another look at the point they make, andtry to point out the consequences that this might bring.

On some occasions they may even make a point that is really for your side; if they do ensure thatyou point this out to the judges. In short you have to try to address whatever they have said, anddo address the important points. If you focus on one phrase and miss the greater meaning thejudges will notice, and mark accordingly. There are two ways to structure rebuttal. You can eithersignpost it as your first or first two points using the headings the opposite speaker has used.Alternatively you can weave the rebuttal into your own three points where it is most relevant.This is easiest to do with summation speeches, but in any case is quite difficult to do well. Thereforeit is more highly looked upon by the judges when it is conducted successfully but even if youdon't do this brilliantly, you will still get credit from the judges for trying. You will however bepenalized if you make no attempt to point out any flaws in your opponents' arguments.

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Points of Information

Points of Information can be offered during the second, third and fourth minute of a speech, byany speaker on the other side of the table. When offering a point of information you should risewith one hand outstretched, with your head covered with the other hand and address your pointto the Chair. Points should be relevant, fairly short - no longer than 10 seconds - and should tryto avoid being pedantic. You should try to offer at least one point during every speech, but don’tgo over the top as, when you do, this is known as barracking and will be penalised. However, ifyou are to speak immediately after the present speaker don’t worry so much about offering Pointsof Information; it is more important you listen to what the speaker says so you can rebut themin your speech. Your partner should be covering for you at this point.

You should never take more than two points in a five-minute speech, and only take them whenit is convenient to your speech. Remember that your time is important, so donít take a point inthe middle of a sentence, or if you are in the middle of making a point that you are not verycomfortable with. Also it is not recommended to take a point immediately after the end ofprotected time. Finally, don’t leave people standing for too long; either ask them to sit down ortake the point, but if you ignore them you will be penalised. If a speaker believes that you havenot answered his point he may offer a supplementary. Never take one of these as it is tantamountto an admission that you haven't answered his/her point well.

The mechanics aside, a point of information should be relevant, and well thought out, and givenat the appropriate moment in the opponent’s speech. Don’t point out minor details; this is calledpedantry and is guaranteed to irritate judges. The best thing to do is to present a fact thatdisproves their case, point out a contradiction, or ask for more information, but ensure that it isrelevant to what the speaker is saying at the time. Don’t be afraid to take points from gooddebaters as the judges will notice if you are ignoring one person. However, at the same timenever take a point if your argument is on flimsy ground; just wave them down and wait until youare on a more solid point.

Points of information are very important. They are the only opportunity outside of your speechyou have to influence the debate, and therefore impress the judges. By making a point you aretelling the judges that you are still involved in the debate, that you are engaging with the opposingside, and sometimes you may even produce the key point of the debate in a Point of Information.

Timing

All speeches in the competition are of five minutes in length. Speakers should aim to speak forat least four minutes forty-five seconds, and no longer than five minutes fifteen seconds. If yourspeech is any shorter then it indicates you don’t have much to say, and therefore your speechisn’t as relevant as it could be. Always remember that everyone is interested in what you haveto say, but you can’t make good effective arguments if you don’t speak. If you do run out of thingsto say then just summarise what you (and your partner) have already said; it looks like goodteamwork and gives you a moment to think things through. Similarly if you have too much tosay you must finish within fifteen seconds of the bell as after that point the judges stop payingattention. Some people use stopwatches so they can keep track of where they are in their speech.This is recommended for inexperienced speakers, but some people don’t like to use them; it isa matter of choice. The one thing to remember is that the five minutes is your opportunity toimpress the judges. Ensure you use it effectively. Don’t allow yourself to be intimidated by pointsof information, and make your speech as well as you can. Remember, whatever you say is betterthan five minutes of silence.

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In this competition the most important thing is the content of your speech, then the strategy,and style is the least important element. That is not to say it is irrelevant, but often an impressive-sounding speaker does not really have good arguments. However, it is in your interest to try tospeak as well as possible in order to be convincing. If you have good style it will add weight toyour arguments. You do not have to be a great actor to have good style; many of the best debatersare not very good public speakers. It is all about trying to follow a few simple ideas, and havinglots of confidence. Don't worry if you get your words mixed up or if the wrong word comes out;this is all part of debating and normally shows that you are trying to deal with the argumentsbeing discussed at the time.

Delivery

The process of giving a good speech takes a combination of confidence, practice, and payingattention to basic procedures. Try to project your voice to the judges, which does not meanshouting, but if they can’t hear you then it doesn’t matter how good your arguments are, youwon’t receive credit. It is also important to try to keep your audience interested. This is done byvarying the pace and the tone of your voice. If you speak in a monotone then people will rapidlylose interest in what you are saying. You will be nervous - everyone is - but once you stand upyou have to try to be confident.

You will have good ideas and people do want to hear them, so don’t be shy. Never read a speech.You will never be a great speaker with a pre-prepared speech. Even if you are in first propositionyou should work from notes. Surprisingly it is easier to speak fluently from notes than from aprepared speech. If you read a speech it is obvious to the judges, and you won’t do yourselfjustice. Try to stand up straight, slightly away from the lectern, and don’t rest on it; it is for yournotes, it is not a crutch. Don’t sway or pace, but don’t be afraid to move slightly. Gestures canalso be used to emphasize your points, but don’t take this to an extreme, an octopus is notconvincing, but ridiculous. Finally, try to look like you are enjoying yourself; debating should befun and if you feel happy then you will speak better.

Humour

Humour can be an effective tool if used well. It can liven a speech up, increase interest in theargument, and, especially in a bad debate, can provide much-needed relief for the judges. Lotsof debaters like to start off with a joke before moving onto the more serious elements of thespeech. However, it is a tactic that can also backfire. Even if you are the best comedian in theworld, five minutes of humour will get you very little credit; it is purely an accessory.

Secondly, only use jokes that are relevant, and that you completely understand, and rememberthat parliamentary behaviour is expected at all times. If you can’t think of any jokes, or you justaren’t a funny speaker, then don’t worry about it. Humour is an extra, not a requirement, andmany of the best debaters canít make funny speeches. On no account should jokes be madeabout anybody at the table, or any in-jokes. People probably won’t get the joke, and any negativecomments about individuals will be ruled out of order by the chair, which the judges will noteand penalise.

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Props

Don’t use them, ever. Debating is about speaking persuasively; any props will detract from yourspeaking, and therefore take away from what you are trying to achieve. Furthermore, they arealso banned at all Senior Schools Competitions, and are effectively banned in this one as well.

Confidence

Confidence is one of the most important elements of a debating speech. If you aren’t confidentin your arguments, or at least don’t look confident, then it is very hard to convince other people.Debating is something that is a little scary to do, no matter how experienced you are. There area couple of things to remember though. Firstly, it is always best to try to look smart. If you knowyou look appropriate, then you will probably feel better. While you are not judged on yourappearance, if you are smart you will probably have a better initial impression on the judges. Ifyou are in a round, then you are good enough. Even in the first round you are there becauseyour school believes you can do it, so don’t be scared by that. As the competition progresses itis important to remember that you are in a room on merit, and are just as entitled to be there asanyone else. Some people get very nervous because they are worried about being beaten.

The reality is that every single debater has been beaten. Moreover, every single debater has beencompletely annihilated at some point; it happens to us all, try to learn why. Also, nobody else inthe room will laugh at you if you make a mistake, mis-speak, or even just give a bad speech; it issomething we have all done. The author’s worst speech came in a final where he completelymissed the point of the debate. If you do make a mistake, just stop, take a deep breath and carryon. The judges are well aware that these things happen, and as a result will not penalise a simpleslip of the tongue.

a Debate

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This is quite easy. If you have any queries, please contact your regional convenor.

Debate Chamber

Choose a suitably-sized room for the debate - this will depend on how many spectators you’reexpecting. The room is usually a school hall or a library. It is better to have a small room full thana big one half-empty.

The room should be set out as follows

Timekeepers Speaker

1st O

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1st Proposition2nd Proposition

Judges

Lectern

Water and glasses should be provided for everyone involved in the debate.An A4 pad, GSK (Montrose) pen, and GSK (Montrose) publicity pack for each competitor shouldhave been sent to the host. They should ensure that these items are presented to each of thespeakers, the judges, the chair and timekeepers.An order paper should, also, be sent to the host by e-mail from the regional convenor. Theseshould be printed and distributed to everyone including spectators.

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Debating Personnel and Equipment

Timekeeper The school should appoint one or two pupils as timekeepers. Their role is to ring the bells correctly.

• Single bell on one minute• Single bell on four minutes• Double bell on five minutes• Double bell every fifteen seconds after 5 minutes• Continuous bell after 6 minutes

They should write down the exact time for each speech for the judges.This role will require a bell and a clock.

The Speaker The school should appoint a pupil or member of staff to chair. The role of thespeaker is to welcome everyone and keep order in the debate. A gavel andplinth should be provided for the speaker if possible.

Judges These shall be from University of Aberdeen Debater, the University of DundeeDebating Union and the University of St Andrews Union Debating Society. Thejudges will require a separate room where they can discuss their decision in private. This should be close to the main debate chamber.

Swing Team In the event of a team being unable to compete at the last minute, it is customaryfor the host school to provide a swing team. Therefore, we would be gratefulif a spare team could be present at all debates.

Running Order

Speaker: Welcome to the CompetitionSponsored by GSK (Montrose)Announce Motion and Standing OrdersIntroduce SpeakersIntroduce Judges

Debate: All 8 speakers give speeches

Floor Debate: Judges retire to consider which team(s) will go throughFloor speeches on the motion controlled by the speakerA division shall be made on the motion

Judges Decision: General feedback on the debateThe judges announce the teams going throughPresent certificates to teams departing the competition

Speaker: The speaker shall adjourn the house

The regional convenors would be grateful if light refreshments could be provided after the debate. Some teams will have travelled a long distance.

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Standing Orders of the House

• The Speaker's authority in all matters of procedure and conduct is final. No member ofthe House may disregard the Speaker’s ruling. People attempting to speak while notrecognised will be ruled out of order.

• All members of the public and of the host and visiting schools shall be membersof the House.

• Speakers shall address the Chair using the formula ‘Mr Speaker, Sir’ or ‘Madam Speaker’.

• No amendment may be proposed to the stated motion.

• A member wanting to make a point of order or a point of information will not be recognisedunless they stand up and say ‘Point of Information’ or ‘On that Point’.

• Only competitors may make Points of Information. No points of information should beoffered during the floor debate.

• Clear indication shall be made of times available to competitors to make their speeches.

• A point of order takes precedence and can be offered by anyone in the chamber. It shallbe answered by the Speaker whose decision is final. The speech will be halted, and thetimer restarted after the point of order has been ruled on.

• Members of the audience must give due courtesy to speakers holding the floor and maynot interrupt them.

• Speakers may not be intimidated or harassed.

a Debate

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Introducing the Judges

The debates in this competition will be judged by experienced judges from University of AberdeenDebater, the University of Dundee Debating Union and University of St Andrews UnionDebating Society.

Judging Criteria

This competition shall be judged mainly on the analysis and engagement element of debating.Style will be secondary to this. Teams will be assessed on the following broad criteria:

Content: Good quality substance to the speechSound, well-explained argumentsRelevance of speech to the motion of the debateAdequate evidence by debaters to justify their argumentsAdequate use of allocated time for each speaker

Analysis: Logical and non-contradictory speech/argumentClarity and organization of speechAdequate assessment of the topicThorough and in-depth understanding of topic

Rebuttal: Effective, organized and logical responses to arguments raisedby the opponents

Delivery: Effective eye-contactAvoidance of distracting physical and verbal mannerismsAppropriately varied pace, tone and style of the speechIncorporation of wit and humour

Points of Information (POI): Use of well-delivered and effective POIs during the debateQuality and quantity of POIs offeredQuality of response to POIs

Fulfilment of Team Roles: Teams should fulfil and adhere to the team responsibilities andunique team roles assigned. Failure to do so will be marked down

Teams Progressing

The total number of teams progressing from Round 1 will depend on the number of entriesreceived from your region. You can expect either 2 or 3 teams to progress from each debate. Theteams and judges will be informed of the number progressing by the regional convenor beforethe debate.

In later rounds the number of teams progressing will be as follows:

Round 2 (if required) 2 teamsRegional Final 1 team

Glossary

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The Speaker

Introduces the proceedings and calls upon each person to speak. Referred to as ‘Mr Speaker’or ‘Madam Speaker’.

Counter-Case

This is where First Opposition present an alternative policy to resolve the problem presentedby First Proposition.

Defining/Definition

The first speaker for the proposition should explain how the motion should be interpreted. Theinterpretation must be within the spirit of the motion, and should not be a dictionary definition.

The Division

This is the correct word for the vote taken at the end of the debate.

Floor Debate

Everyone in the House has the option of making speeches about the motion. These should beself-contained and should not be questions to the competitors. They should last no longer thanthree minutes, and should really only contain a single point. They should also not invite or directfurther comments from the speakers.

Gaudeamus

A Medieval Latin drinking song that has been incorporated into the traditions of the Universityof St Andrews. It is usually sung at Graduation and at formal St Andrews Debates.

Gavel

The hammer-like object which the Speaker bangs to call for order.

Knife

A contradiction of an argument advanced by the speaker, his partner, or a previous speaker ontheir side of the table. This is very heavily penalised.

The House

Refers to everyone in the debating chamber.

The Motion

The topic as set for debate.

The Opposition

The competitors speaking against the motion.

Peroration

The flourish which a speaker may use in the last minute to finish off his arguments in style.

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Points of Information

Points of Information are a very important way of attacking what another speaker is saying duringtheir speech. A competitor from the other side stands up, hand covering head, saying ‘point ofinformation. ‘ The person speaking may choose to take the point immediately, or wait until heor she has finished the sentence or section, say ’No thank you,’ or simply wave them down.

Position/Role

Different positions on the table have a different job to do during the debate. The first person oneach side introduces the arguments for, or against, the motion. The middle speakers shoulddevelop and extend the arguments for their side. The last speakers must summarise the debate.

The Proposition

The people arguing in favour, or in support of the motion.

Redefinition

This is very difficult to do well, but if the definition is truistic, or undebatable, then you redefine,effectively making a first proposition speech. If there is anything debatable in the definition, thenit is best to do that, otherwise define in the spirit of the original motion. See also truistic definition.

Rebuttal/Rebutting

Is the important part of a speech where the arguments of the other side are countered. It is themost significant method of engagement.

Squirrel

This is a definition that is irrelevant, and not in the spirit or intended topic of the motion. Don’tever do this. The judges will hate you, all the other debaters will hate you, and you will certainlycome last. If someone else squirrels the motion, then the best thing to do is to point out it is asquirrel, and then debate it anyway. The judges will give you high scores if this is done well. “Ifthe Squirrel’s case is debatable, debate it,” Alex Deane, World’s University Debating ChampionshipsWinner 2004.

Supplementary

If you’ve made a Point of Information, and the person speaking doesn’t answer the point, or isblatantly wrong, you may stand up and try to make a supplementary point. These are made inthe same way as a Point of Information, but instead of saying “point of information” you say“supplementary”. Be aware that these are almost never accepted, so therefore don’t offer toomany.

Truistic Definition

This is a definition that is self-proving, and is therefore completely undebatable. If the motionwas, “This House believes it has been failed by modern Universities”, a truistic definition wouldbe that not everyone passes university exams, so therefore they have been failed. By definition,this is impossible to oppose, and this is the only case when first opposition can redefine. In thisexample, the opposition could either outline a policy change, i.e., scrap top-up fees, or couldfollow an opposition line and say that the present system of University funding is correct. Eitherone would be appropriate.

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The regional convenors would like to offer the following acknowledgements to the people whohave been involved in the creation of this competition:

GSK (Montrose) for their generous financial support of the competition. This has allowed acompetition which is inclusive to everyone due to its free cost. It is due to their support that weare able to offer prizes for each of our regional winners and grand winner.

DC Thomson for their kind permission to reproduce an edited version of the Courier SchoolsJunior Debating Competition Rulebook.

Stephen Jewell for his work on the graphic design which has allowed for a professional approachto all of our communications.

Greg Murray for his work as an independent adjudicator for the competition. His responsibilitieshave included preparing the draw and motions.

Peter Holliday Photography for his photography input into the design materials used by thecompetition.

University of St Andrews Union Debating Society for their kind support and time given tojudging this competition. A particular thank you should go to Maureen MacIssac, Schools’ Officer,for the organisation of judges.

University of Aberdeen Debater for their kind support and time given to judging this competition.A particular thank you should go to Katherine Duncan, Schools’ Officer, for the organisation ofjudges.

University of Dundee Debating Union for their kind support and time given to judging thiscompetition. A particular thank you should go to Geraint James, Convenor, for the organisationof judges.

The Participants who are the very heart of this competition and have spent a great deal of timeon preparing points and improving their debating skills.

Debating Coaches without whom the competition simply wouldn’t happen. They have spenta great deal of time on their pupils and travelling to debates, as well as organizing timekeepersand speakers for our rounds.