Q&A for How to Organize a Debate

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How do I debate as opposition?

Penguinpencil

Community Answer

Think of points for the proposition, then flip the logic to work in your favor.

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Question

How do I dress for a debate?

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Acceptable debate dress is generally somewhere between business casual and formal, depending on the venue and audience.

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How many people participate in a debate?

Community Answer

Three or four from each side, depending on the format. Either the first or second speaker doubles as a reply speaker who summarizes the entire debate and states why his/her side should win. There can also be a separate speaker for the reply speech. Again, this depends on the format. Additionally, there are also two reserves in case any speaker cannot make it. So overall, there are ten to twelve people in each round.

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What is the role of a chairperson in a debate?

Demarcuscousinsicecreamtruckiii

Community Answer

Chairing a debate is an important role - the chair announces the debaters and calls on them to deliver their speeches. The chair also times the speeches.

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Question

How many times do you come back with a counter argument rebuttal?

Isy223

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A typical debate looks like: 1st speaker from Affirmative team speaks first and says some counter arguments. 1st Speaker from Negative then speaks second and says some of their teams counter arguments. 2nd Speaker from Affirmative team then speaks and says counter arguments and then rebuts Negative teams 1st speaker. 2nd Speaker from the Negative team then speaks and rebuts 2nd Affinity speaker and 1st Affirmative speaker an has counter arguments. 3rd Speaker from Affirmative team then speaks and rebuts 2nd Negative speaker and 1st Negative speaker. Finally then the 3rd Negative speaker rebuts all of the Affirmative team.

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Question

How can I argue in favor of same-sex marriage in a debate?

Aboulej

Community Answer

Focus on equality and the creation of family foundations. Same-sex couples can adopt children and provide a stable home with dual incomes. Emphasize that love is defined by individuals and highlight the importance of allowing people the freedom to accept others.

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Question

How should I start my debate speech?

Aditya Menon

Community Answer

It's effective to start with true facts or an emotional story that makes the audience consider your opponent's stance in a negative light, but ultimately, tailor your opening to your style and the debate's context.

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Question

Is there a penalty if a speaker finishes their speech before the allotted time?

Aditya Menon

Community Answer

This depends on the specific debate's rules and procedures, but usually, there is no penalty. In debate clubs, it often doesn't matter if you speak for less than the time limit. In clubs like MUN, you can yield your time, which can be beneficial if you yield it to points of information, as you can gain points.

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Can a debate leader summarize the debate after the speakers finish giving their points?

Shoe Shoe

Community Answer

Yes, summaries are an effective way to keep the debate on track, which is the purpose of a debate leader.

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