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Introduction to University Debate

Dylan Williams – Fall 2015

University of Alberta Debate Society

Introduction

Topics to cover1. Basics of Debate 2. British Parliamentary Style

Speakers and RolesExamples of a debate roundPoints of InformationJudging

3. Learning and Improving in Debate2

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What is Debate?

A respectful exchange of ideas between reasonable people

Sometimes outside your comfort zone

Part content, part style

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Basic Rules of Debate

Respect others, and yourself. Listen and be polite

Think and argue in terms of principles and analysis

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Debate Styles

British Parliamentary (Fall) Canadian Parliamentary (Winter) Australs (Summer)

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British Parliamentary Style – At a Glance

Common, balanced, competitive style

Topics that reasonable people can disagree about, and are accessible “This House Would do x,” “This House Believes x” “This House Supports”

Teams Announced -> Motion Announced -> 15 Minutes Preparation -> Debate!

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British Parliamentary Style – Speakers

Prime Minister5 Minute Speech

Leader of the Opposition5 Minute Speech

Deputy Prime Minister5 Minute Speech

Deputy Leader of the Opposition

5 Minute Speech

Member of Government5 Minute Speech

Member of Opposition5 Minute Speech

Government Whip5 Minute Speech

Opposition Whip5 Minute Speech

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SpeakersThe Prime Minister

Model and groundwork for the round Constructive Arguments

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SpeakersLeader of the Opposition

Clash with PM Opposition Stance Constructive Arguments

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SpeakersDeputy Prime Minister, andDeputy Leader of the Opposition

Clash with last speakerRebuild Constructive Arguments

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SpeakersMember of Government

Clash with Opening Opposition Extend on the debate with new argument

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SpeakersMember of Opposition

Clash with MG’s extension Extend on the debate with new argument

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SpeakersGovernment Whip and Opposition Whip Clash with other side’s extension Biased summary of the round – No new material! Emphasize back half material

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British Parliamentary Style – ExampleThis House Would Intervene Against ISIS

Opening Government Opening Opposition

Closing Government Closing Opposition

“ISIS is harming people in the Middle East and we have a duty to protect them”

“ISIS is a threat to security in the West, and will terrorize us if we don’t stop them”

“ISIS will only get stronger if the West gets involved and causes more violence”

“The West shouldn’t break international law by waging war in countries where it hasn’t been invited”

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British Parliamentary Style – ExampleThis House Would Publically Fund Elections

Opening Government Opening Opposition

Closing Government Closing Opposition

“This gives every party a fair chance to make their views heard”

“Now, parties focus on actually appealing to individual voters instead of fundraising for cash”

“Public money shouldn’t go towards political parties that people don’t all support”

“Now parties depend on the state instead of supporters, and people have one less way to get involved”

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Points of Information

Definition A short question, attack or response given

during someone else’s speech

Rules Give two, take two Protected Time

How to Give Short and snappy

How to Take Whenever works for you

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Points of Clarification

Definition A short clarification on a part of the government

case or model that you don’t understand

Rules Like a POI, but only during PM speech Can be in protected time (but say “clarification”)

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Judging Criteria

Pursuasiveness Whose arguments were most important,

convincing

Engagement Who played ball with other teams effectively

Role Fullfillment Did everyone do what they needed to do in the

round?

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Learning and Improving

Debate is about practice and improvement Keep a notebook/folder/binder Seek out and consider feedback Keep an eye on issues that may come up