DEBATE FORMAT
The debate follows an alternating format, starting with the proposition. This allows subsequent speakers to pick up on comments and ideas raised by previous speakers and to integrate counter or complementary – arguments into their speeches.
The Motion
In debating, the idea put forward by the proposition is the motion. It will usually be worded as follows: “This house believes that...”
The house is everyone in the room and the result of the vote is the opinion of the house. Thus, the debaters wish to convince the house of their arguments. The motion cannot be amended and must be debated as is. However, the wording often provides considerable scope for discussion and a debate can be won or lost depending on how either team interprets the wording, even down to the definition of individual words.
Points of Information – only in the Final Round
During the opposition and proposition speeches prior to the floor debate, the team not speaking can offer the speaker a point of information.
Points of information are intended to undermine the opponents’ arguments by highlighting faulty logic, contradictions, lack of evidence, etc. Opponents may deliver points of information during the period between the two single bells during the second and third speeches from each team. Points of information should be short and to the point, to avoid eating into the speakers’ allocated time.
The speaker being interrupted is under no obligation to accept the point of information, but general practice dictates that speakers will accept 1 – 2 points per speech. Once a speaker has accepted a point of information, he or she is expected to respond; simply ignoring the point is considered bad manners.
Opponents deliver points of information by standing up at their chairs and uttering, “Point of information, Mister/Madame Chairperson”. Once the speaker has stopped to accept the point of information, the opponent addressed the point to the chair, not to the speaker directly. For example, “Madame Chairperson, my honourable friend has not understood…” or “Mister Chairperson, it is clearly not true that…”
The opponent offering the point of information will remain standing until he has finished stating the point of information, or until the current speaker rejects his point.
Points of information will be available only during the Round 3 of the GOW Debate.
Round 1
During this round, there will be no floor questions – this is a non-interrupted debate led by a Chairperson.
Participant | Role | Time |
Chairman | The chairperson will introduce the debate and the speakers. | 15 min |
1st Proposition speech | Defines the motion and lays out arguments for the motion. | 3 min |
1st Opposition speech | Puts forward the opposition’s interpretation of the motion lays out arguments against it. | 3 min |
2nd Proposition speech | Refutes the arguments of the opposition. | 3 min |
2nd Opposition speech | Refutes the arguments of the proposition. | 3 min |
3rd Proposition speech | Refutes the arguments of the opposition. | 2 min |
3rd Opposition speech | Refutes the arguments of the proposition. | 2 min |
Opposition Summary Speech | Summarises the opposition case, refutes the proposition case. | 2 min |
Proposition Summary Speech | Summarises the proposition case, refutes the opposition case. | 2 min |
Round 2
This round is a non-interrupted debate. The only questions will be taken from the audience during the ‘Floor’ and will have to be addressed to the Chairperson.
Participant | Role | Time |
Chairman | The chairperson will introduce the debate and the speakers. | 15 min |
1st Proposition speech | Defines the motion and lays out arguments for the motion. | 3 min |
1st Opposition speech | Puts forward the opposition’s interpretation of the motion lays out arguments against it. | 3 min |
2nd Proposition speech | Refutes the arguments of the opposition. | 3 min |
2nd Opposition speech | Refutes the arguments of the proposition. | 3 min |
3rd Proposition speech | Refutes the arguments of the opposition. | 2 min |
3rd Opposition speech | Refutes the arguments of the proposition. | 2 min |
Floor | Moderated by chairperson | 6 min |
Opposition Summary Speech | Summarises the opposition case, refutes the proposition case. | 2 min |
Proposition Summary Speech | Summarises the proposition case, refutes the opposition case. | 2 min |
Round 3
The Points of informations might be addressed by the non speaking team to the speakers. Questions will be taken from the audience during the ‘Floor’ and will have to be addressed to the Chairperson.
Participant | Role | Time |
Chairman | The chairperson will introduce the debate and the speakers. | 10 min |
1st Proposition speech | Defines the motion and lays out arguments for the motion. | 5 min |
1st Opposition speech | Puts forward the opposition’s interpretation of the motion lays out arguments against it. | 5 min |
2nd Proposition speech | Refutes the arguments of the opposition. Points of Information possible. | 4 min |
2nd Opposition speech | Refutes the arguments of the proposition. Points of Information possible. | 4 min |
3rd Proposition speech | Refutes the arguments of the opposition. Points of Information possible. | 3 min |
3rd Opposition speech | Refutes the arguments of the proposition. Points of Information possible. | 3 min |
Floor | Moderated by chairperson | 6 min |
Opposition Summary Speech | Summarises the opposition case, refutes the proposition case. | 2 min |
Proposition Summary Speech | Summarises the proposition case, refutes the opposition case. | 2 min |
GOW DEBATING RULES are based on ZURIBERG TOASTMASTERS’ DEBATING MANUAL