Types of debating

What types of debating are there ?

There are slightly different ways to do debating. Generally, you need a Chairperson, Proposer, Opposer, Proposer and Opposers' Seconders and a time-keeper.

Oxford Debates

This is the classic style of debate. It is easily transformed into an activity within which the entire class can participate.

Chairperson: Controls the debate and starting with the Proposer, calls alternate sides to speak. The Chairperson has a script but as to maintain the formality of the contest.

Proposer: Speaks for the motion, defines it and shows that there is a need for change.

Opposer: Speaks against the motion, often defends the current system or asserts only minor changes are needed.

Proposer's Seconder: Supports the Proposer's ideas and often presents a plan and its benefits.

Opposer's Seconder: Attacks the plans of the Proposer and Seconder and often suggests minor changes to the present system.

Rebuttals: No new evidence can be introduced but arguments can be extended.

Parliamentary Debates

This is a debate pretending that we are in parliament.

Those for the motion (the "Bill") are called the Prime Minister and the Government Minister and those against the "Bill" are the Leader of the Opposition and the Opposition Member. The Speaker of the House plays the role of Chairperson. All debates start by addressing Mr./Madame Speaker.

Points of Order are raised by a debater to the Speaker who decides whether the opponent has broken a rule.

Points of Personal Privilege are raised by a debated about personal abuse, misrepresentation or insult.

Questions: A debater can ask the Speaker if the member is willing to take a question on an issue.

Heckles or brief, pertinent, witty interruptions are permitted.

Cross-Examination Debates

The First Affirmative speaker outlines the motion (the resolution) being debated and presents evidence and a plan for change.

The Second Negative speaker questions the First Affirmative to expose flaws.

The First Negative then speaks in a constructive manner saying that there is no need for change and the opposition's ideas are flawed.

The First Negative is cross-examined by the First Affirmative to force an admission that the plan is worthwhile.

The Second Affirmative gives a constructive speech which attacks the negative claim's philosophy.

The First Negative then cross-examines the Second Affirmative .

The Second Negative gives a constructive speech which attacks the plan and completes the negative case.

The Second Negative is cross-examined by the Second Affirmative .

Rebuttal break. (sides confer).

Rebuttal by First Negative followed by a rebuttal by First Affirmative .

For more information on types or styles of debating see: An Introduction to Academic, Parliamentary, and Cross-Examination Styles of Debatehttp://csdf.freeservers.com/styles.html