an argument with rules

two teams present a resolution (sometimes

called a proposition) or topic that they will
debate
Timed arguments
One team is for the resolution (PRO or
affirmative) and the other team is
(AGAINST or negative)
a judge decides at the end of the debate
who is the winner (based on point system)
 Order of Speaking

Very important

Cannot be changed

See handout
 The 3 major parts of a
debate

1. CONSTRUCTIVE SPEECH

2. CROSS EXAMINATION

3. REBUTTAL
 1. CONSTRUCTIVE SPEECH

Begins with BIRT (Be it resolved that)

States 3 or 4 supporting points first
Then elaborates on each one
Plan your strategy (for e.g., go from
strongest to weakest)
Recap at the end
2. CROSS-EXAMINATION
Most difficult part
Thinking on your feet
Question the validity of your
opponents' constructive speech by source,
date, relevance
Show their weakest points
Question them aggressively
Start with general questions then get
really specific
Undermine the evidence
 3. REBUTTAL
Designed to argue the case made
It's your time to point out the
inconsistences, absurdities, and illogical
argurments of your opponents.
Provides the opportunity for speakers to
critique their opponents' arguments
Absolutely no new evidence may be
presented during this time
It's time to do some final damage here
The first speaker in a debate
must make sure that the
resolution is clearly stated and
defined.
 What is the Resolution?
The topic of the debate
The point on which both parties have
agreed to debate
Always stated in the positive
Begins with the phrase (BIRT):
Be it resolved that
 Some examples:
Be it resolved that Canada is a better
place to live than the U.S.A.
NOT
Be it resolved that Canada is not a
better place to live than the U.S.A.
 And
Be it resolved that all public schools
in Canada should make uniforms
mandatory for all students.
NOT

Be it resolved that all public schools

should not make uniforms mandatory
for all students.
Debating Tips and Strategies
There are many
ways to structure a
debate

In this class, you

will follow the
handouts carefully
and the time
allotments will not
DONT side track your
opponents with irrelevant
points, stay on topic.

DONT attack your

opponents.
DO stick to your planned,
researched arguments.
 TIPS

Cue cards can help a debater to stay

focused, but DONT read from them,
use them as a guide.
Speak to the audience or moderator,
not the teacher.
 DO thoroughly research your
topic and position, the best
start to squashing a rebuttal
is a well researched, well
designed presentation.

DONT simply state facts:

This is the path to being a
dull speaker
Not stating sources or not
backing up statements can
lead to heavy rebuttal from
your opponents
DO use humor and / or anecdotes in your
speaking:
Using examples helps illustrate your position, and
uses an argument of precedence
Make sure your information is appropriate
 IMPORTANT

TIME IS A VERY IMPORTANT

FACTOR IN A
DEBATE.
DO be aware of time
constraints, if there are
any.
Practice your initial
speech so you will be on
top of the situation.
Know what it feels like to
speak for the allotted
length of time, speaking
too much or not enough
weakens your position.
 DONT try to juggle too many points
at once. State your ideas in a logical
order.
TIP: the more you practice and plan
your speaking, the less nervous you will
be.

DONT use inappropriate

language or gestures:

People will ignore your

information if not presented
in an appropriate manner.
Any argument that you do not
address in a rebuttal will be left in
the memory of others as your
opponents stated it.

Likewise, any rebuttal from your

opponents that you do not address
will also be left in the minds of
your audience / judges.
DO be aware of what your partner(s) plans are.

DONT work alone and risk being redundant, make the

most of your teams time.
DO recycle
information in your
closing speech.
Remember:The closing
speaker(s) should sum
up all relevant
arguments and
rebuttals without
introducing any new
information.
Follow these
tips and
suggestions,
and
everything
will come
together for
a successful
debate!!!