DEBATING
KEY VOCABULARY Motion – the topic for a debate Proposition – the side who is in favor of the motion Opposition – the side who is against the motion Chairperson – the person in charge of the debate, who introduces the speakers and makes sure everyone obeys the rules Timekeeper – the person who times the speeches Point of Information – an interruption to a speech Protected time – the time at the end at the start of someone’s speech, when you are not allowed to make Points of Information
Rebuttal – respond to the other side’s arguments and show why you disagree with them The floor debate – the part of the debate, when the audience get a chance to say what they think about the issues Summary speech – reminds the audience the main areas of disagreement
CHAIRPERSON TIMEKEEPER 1 ST SPEAKER 1 ST SUMMARY POS PRO SPEAKER ION 3 RD OSIT OP P 2 ND SPEAKER ITIO N SPEAKER 2 ND SPEAKER 3 RD SPEAKER SUMMARY
LET’S START WITH …THE MOTION! The Chairperson introduces the motion to be debated and the people who are speaking. The 1 st Proposition speaker starts the debate. This House Would… This House Believes That…
1 st Proposition 1 st Opposition 2 nd Proposition 2 nd Opposition 3 rd Proposition 3 rd Opposition 4 th Summary
THE MAIN SPEECHES The speakers can all ask questions or make interruption during the other side’s speech by standing up and saying “On the point of information…” then waiting to see whether the main speaker allow them to interrupt It is not allowed to make Points of Information in the first or last 30 seconds of the speeches The Timekeeper times the speakers and gives signals when Points of Information may be offered
THE SUMMARY SPEECHES The Summary starts with Opposition and finishes with Proposition They remind the audience of the main areas of disagreement in the debate There are no Points of Information allowed during summary speeches.
THE VOTE At the end, the Chairperson asks the audience to vote on whether they agree with the motion
