08/04/2023
Debate structure
There are multiple formats a debate can follow, this is a basic debate structure:
A topic is chosen for each debate - this is called a resolution or motion. It can be a statement, policy or idea. The motion is usually a policy which changes the current state of affairs or a statement which is either truth or false. The motion typically starts with "This House..."
There are two teams of three speakers:
The Affirmative team support the statement
The Negative team oppose the statement
Sometimes you will be asked to take a position in the debate but in other debates you will be allocated your position.
Teams are provided with time to prepare - usually one hour
Each speaker presents for a set amount of time
Speakers alternate between the teams, usually a speaker in the Affirmative team starts, followed by a Negative speaker, then the second Affirmative speaker presents, followed by the second Negative speaker etc.
The debate is then judged.
There may be an audience present but they are not involved in the debate
Once you have learned how to debate in one format you can easily switch to another.
Roles of the speakers
Each speaker must typically do the following:
First Affirmative
Contextualise the debate - clearly set out your team's interpretation of the topic and the significant issues they disagree with.
Provide definitions if necessary.
Outline the team line and the team split - this is where you outline your team's case and summarise the way your arguments have been divided between your speakers.
Provide 2-3 arguments supporting the motion.
First Negative
Re-contextualise the debate and resolve any definitional issues - if you have disagreements with the definition given by the Affirmative these must be handled immediately. If you want to challenge the definition then you must prove that you have the most appropriate definition. There are three main steps in a definitional challenge:
Clearly state your definition
Provide your arguments as to why this is the superior definition
Rebut the Affirmative's arguments supporting their definition
Outline a team line and team split.
Rebut the arguments made by the First Affirmative.
Deliver 2-3 arguments against the motion.
Second Affirmative
If needed, resolve any definitional issues.
Rebut the First Negative's arguments.
Deliver 2-3 arguments supporting the motion.
Second Negative
If needed, resolve any definitional issues.
Rebut the arguments made by the Affirmative team up to this point, with a focus on the Second Affirmative's arguments.
Deliver 2-3 arguments against the motion.
Third Affirmative
Rebut specific issues raised by Second Negative and defend any other important attacks on your team's case.
Conclude your speech with a brief summary (1-2 minutes) of your team's case. You should include the key issues which you and the Negative team disagreed on during this.
You can introduce new material but this is interpreted as poor team planning.
Third Negative
This is the same structure as the Third Affirmative.
There are many variations of the three against three debate, a commonly known one is Points of Information. This is used a lot in university debates. During a speech the opposition is allowed to ask a question or make a point.
They stand up and say "point of information" or "on that point" etc. The speaker can choose to accept or reject the point. If accepted, the point of information can last around 15 seconds and the speaker can ask for it to stop at any time.
Source:
Debating can look intimidating, with speakers appearing confident, passionate and unwavering, but it consists of skills that anybody can learn. Debating skills can be incredibly valuable. In this article we provide a guide to the basics of debating.
