DebatingDebatingAn overviewAn overview

Debate or Persuasive Debate or Persuasive Speech?Speech?

DebateDebate::

An argument between 2 groups: An argument between 2 groups: AFFIRMATIVEAFFIRMATIVE and and

NEGATIVE NEGATIVE

The groups present and argue over opposite The groups present and argue over opposite viewpoints of a motion in a formal way.viewpoints of a motion in a formal way.

There are rules to follow which provide an There are rules to follow which provide an equal opportunity for each side to win. equal opportunity for each side to win.

Persuasive speechPersuasive speech::

A speech that aims to change the values, A speech that aims to change the values, beliefs and attitudes of the audience.beliefs and attitudes of the audience.

In most cases, it is one person trying to In most cases, it is one person trying to convince others to accept a different idea or convince others to accept a different idea or to think about doing something they were to think about doing something they were unwilling to do before.unwilling to do before.

This has a more personal style of This has a more personal style of presentation.presentation.

Affirmative TeamAffirmative Team(Proposition / Propositional side)(Proposition / Propositional side)

First / Opening speaker

Second speaker

Third / Closing speaker

First / Opening speaker

Second speaker

Third / Closing speaker

Negative TeamNegative Team(Opposition / Oppositional side)(Opposition / Oppositional side)

Procedure of a DebateProcedure of a Debate

Introduction:oThe Chairperson introduces the motion and the teams.

oHe/she explains the rules, the timing system and calls each speaker when it is their turn to speak.

Main speeches (in a set Main speeches (in a set order)order)

1. First speaker, Affirmative 2. First speaker,

Negative

3. Second speaker, Affirmative 4. Second speaker,

Negative

5. Third speaker, Affirmative 6. Third speaker,

Negative

ResultsResults

oThe adjudicators consider the verdict.

oThey give some feedback to their teams about their performance and explain how they reached their decision about the winner.

oThey announce the result of the debate.

Responsibilities of each Responsibilities of each speakerspeaker

We both have to:

•introduce our team’s cases.•outline the main arguments to be put forward by our teams.•inform the audience which areas of the topic will be covered by different speakers in our teams.•begin to develop the team’s arguments, usually by focusing on the most important one.

1st Speaker I have to say if

our team accepts the definition and to provide and alternative if necessary.

My responsibility is to define the motion.

We both have to:

•develop strong arguments with explanations and examples which support and develop our own team’s line.•provide the first rebuttal

2nd Speaker

We both have to:

•give some final rebuttals•summarise our team’s main arguments, especially those that haven’t been rebutted restate the team’s stance on the motion.•remind the adjudicators that our team rebutted the arguments of our opponents.•restate the team stance on the motion.

3rd Speaker

Today’s motion must stand!

Today’s motion

must fall!

Today’s motion must stand!

MotionsMotionsTypes of motionsTypes of motions

Judgement MotionJudgement Motion

A motion that compares two opposite beliefs/views.A motion that compares two opposite beliefs/views.

““Economic development is more important than heritage Economic development is more important than heritage conservation.”conservation.”

Change motionChange motion

A motion that indicates a kind of policy or action A motion that indicates a kind of policy or action needs to occur in order to solve a problem.needs to occur in order to solve a problem.

““Smoking should be banned in all public places.” Smoking should be banned in all public places.”

ArgumentsArguments

A speaker in a debate makes an A speaker in a debate makes an argument:argument:

①① which is a which is a set of reasons set of reasons to show that to show that his/her team’s case is correct and worth his/her team’s case is correct and worth believing.believing.

②② which must contain some which must contain some supporting supporting factsfacts..

③③ which must be supported by which must be supported by reasoningreasoning and and evidence/examplesevidence/examples..

RebuttalsRebuttalsA rebuttal is a reply speech in which you A rebuttal is a reply speech in which you attack the arguments that your attack the arguments that your opponents have presented.opponents have presented.

There are There are 2 steps 2 steps to follow:to follow:

①① Briefly point out what the other team said; Briefly point out what the other team said; and then point out why they are wrong / and then point out why they are wrong / worse / illogical / unreasonable.worse / illogical / unreasonable.

②② Briefly repeat the main argument of your Briefly repeat the main argument of your team and explain why you are right / better / team and explain why you are right / better / logical / more reasonable.logical / more reasonable.