An Apology

To the M-W-F guys,

Let me begin by first saying how sorry I am for not posting the match-ups and the motion last Sunday. This is because I felt sick over the weekend so I had no opportunity to post the said updates. I am truly sorry.

Having said that, debates will resume this Wednesday, so please so vist our page this Tuesday. Thank you so much for understanding. Below is a copy of our lecture in debate. Please review.


Sir Jon

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Ateneo Debate Education Program

Why debate?

Part One:
MECHANICS (What an Asian Parliamentary Debate Looks Like)

The Basics

• There are 2 teams with 3 members per team, and 2 sides (Government and Opposition)
• Each speech lasts for about 7 minutes, with the first and last minute uninterrupted
• In the remaining 5 minutes, members from the opposing side can raise POINTS OF INFORMATION
• A point of information lasts for a maximum of 15 seconds
• Motions are given a day prior to the debate

Part Two:
RULES (The Technical Stuff)

Motion

• it is the proposition which the Government side is supposed to defend

• there are three types of motions:

– Open motions

– Semi-closed motions

– Closed motions

• Motions must be defined by the Prime Minister

– More on this later under Speaker Roles

Definitions

Each definition MUST:

– Have a direct link to the motion

– Be fair and debatable

– Identify the issues to be debated and the scope of the debate (criteria or standard)

– Include parameters when necessary

Unfair definitions:

Bad or illegal definitions

are usually challenged

(more on this later)

– Truisms

– “Squirrels”

– Time/Place Sets

– Tautologies

Rules for Challenging

• If a definition provided by the Prime Minister is judged to be a truism, squirrel, time/place set, or a tautology, a definitional challenge may be made

• ONLY the Leader of Opposition may initiate and issue a definitional challenge

• If the LO doesn’t challenge, NO ONE else in the debate may do so

• LO provides an alternative correct definition which he must oppose

• Even-if arguments for both sides

• No automatic wins

Team and Speaker Roles

An Overview

Government

provide a clear and reasonable definition

establish the issues and scope of the debate

advance a substantive case

The Prime Minister

must:

• introduce the definition and provide a link to the motion

• introduce the case of the OG

• introduce substantive material to support his/her side of the split

The Deputy Prime

Minister must:

• rebut the points of the LO

• Support the arguments of the PM

• Introduce substantive material to support his/her side of the split

Opposition

Examine the definition of Government

Challenge or accept the definition

Rebut the arguments of Government

Advance a substantive case

the Leader of

Opposition must:

• Accept or reject the definition and provide a link to the motion

• Rebut the points of the PM

• introduce the case of the OO

• introduce substantive material to support his/her side of the split

The Deputy Leader

of Opposition must:

• rebut the points of the DPM

• Support the arguments of the LO

• Introduce substantive material to support his/her side of the split

Whips

the Opposition Whip

must:

• Summarize the debate

• Reiterate and support the points of the entire opposition side

• Introduce fresh examples to support/rebut previously mentioned arguments

the Government

Whip must:

• Summarize the debate

• Reiterate and support the points of the entire gov’t side

• Introduce fresh examples to support/rebut previously mentioned arguments

Part Three:
Matter, Manner, Method

It’s the meat in your sandwich, the heart of the matter

Matter

Arguments

Rebuttal

POI’s

Matter: Definition

• The content of the speech. It is the arguments a debater uses to further his or her case and persuade the audience

• Includes arguments, reasoning, and examples

• Includes positive (substantive material) and rebuttal

• Includes points of information

Soon to follow:

• What is an argument?

• Rebuttal

• Points of Information

What is an argument?

• the reason why you support or oppose a motion

• argument versus premise

Arguments must

be backed by:

• Analysis: go beyond the label and ask the most important question: WHY?

• Examples: use relevant ones and DON’T argue by example

Rebuttal

• All speakers, except the Prime Minister, are expected to present rebuttal

• Types of rebuttal:

– Error of fact

– Irrelevancy

– Illogical Argument

– Unacceptable Implications

– Little Weight

– Contradictions and Inconsistencies

• How much rebuttal is too much rebuttal?

• - Response triangle

POIs!

• Keep it short: You just have fifteen seconds!

• It is the discretion of the person speaking whether to recognize the point or not

• Types of POIs:

– Clarification

– Question

– Direct rebuttal

– Introducing your argument

– Bringing back your argument

• How often should I raise points of information?

• How many points of information should I ask?

• - Respond to the POIs you’ve accepted

Manner

It matters

how you say it…

Manner: Definition

• The presentation of the speech. It is the style a member uses to further his or her case and persuade the audience

• Comprised of many separate elements.

• There is no correct style of debating

• Don’t be tentative!

• Some things to keep in mind:

• Eye contact

• Voice modulation

• Hand gestures

• Clear and simple language

• Efficient notes

• Look like you’re winning

Method: Definition

• Can be divided into individual method and team method

• Individual method refers to the organization of your speech

• Team method refers to the flow and consistency of the arguments of the two speakers in a team

Two Kinds of Method

• Individual method:

– Structure your speech

– Sign-posting

– Time management

• Team method:

– Allocate your arguments properly

– If you are the first speaker, give a team split

– If you are the second speaker, refer to your partner regularly

• Other things to

• remember:

• LISTEN

• MAINTAIN

• PROPER

• CONDUCT