Structure

One affirmative and one negative team, traditionally with three speakers in each, present the pro's and con's of the topic. Each speaker gets two minutes to speak. The speaking order is set:

First speaker, affirmative.

First speaker, negative.

Second speaker, affirmative.

Second speaker, negative.

Third speaker, affirmative.

Third speaker, negative.


 

Please remember that a coin flip one minute before the start of the debate will decide if your team is arguing for the pro side or the con side.

Attack is a normal part of the debate. All speakers after the first can and should take about thirty percent of their time allocation attacking earlier speaker/s of the opposition team.

First speaker positive has a clear run while last speaker negative has no following attack. The two advantages are considered to cancel each other out and thus provide a level playing field.

After all six speakers have presented their case, a class member will present a brief summary of the highlights of the debate.

Scoring

Each speaker has a maximum score of one hundred with points being allocated as follows:

Score Allocation Max. Score

Overall Presentation:
Argument:
Logic:
Relevance:
Deportment and Gesture:
Maximum Score:

 20
20
20
20
20
100

Timing

A timekeeper signals the end of each minute to the speaker. In a typical two minute debate, points are deducted from the judges score at a rate of five points for every ten seconds under or over the target time. Lower or higher penalties may be used.

Preparation

Before the debate in team groups:

Participants brainstorm both pro's and con's.

Participants choose speaking order.

Each speaker nominates the main points they will cover.

Speakers prepare individually.

Regroup to inform each other of new details.

During the debate time will be allowed between speakers for thirty seconds for preparation.

Strategy

A team is usually well advised to choose their speaking order with the following points in mind: