The English Department Website

 

Debating Rules

Two teams debate a topic - The Motion

The Proposition supports the Motion

The Opposition opposes it

Each team consists of 2 Speakers

The order of speaking

  1. First Proposition Speaker - 5 minutes
  2. First Opposition Speaker - 5 minutes
  3. Second Proposition Speaker - 5 minutes
  4. Second  Opposition Speaker - 5 minutes
  5. FLOOR DEBATE
  6. Opposition Summary Spech - 2 Minutes
  7. Proposition Summary Speech - 2 Minutes
  8. Vote by The House

The session is controlled by the Chairman and all speeches are addressed to him/her

S/he decides on any Points of Order concerning procedure,  introduces each speaker and controls debate from the Floor

If a debater wishes to interrupt a Speaker to make a Point of Information, s/he must stand up and wait for the speaker to accept his/her contribution.

The speaker may decline to accept interruptions but should be prepared to accept up to 3.

No interruptions are allowed in the first or last minute of a speech

Debaters may not take part in the floor debate but should respond to points raised in their Summary Speech

Defining The Motion

The most crucial part of any debate is the definition offered by the opening speaker. Ambiguous words must be explained, the limits of the debate set out and the audience left in no doubt about what the team is setting out to argue

Tips

Use Emotion as well as Fact
Speak clearly, slowly and vary your pitch
Use Humour
Speak about the concerns of your audience
keep reminding us of the motion, of the points that you and your partner have made and will make. Show how each point fits together neatly into an overall argument
Use eye contact