Name
Topic
DEBATE ROLES and RULES
Opening Statement Presenter:
Opening statements for both sides = 3 minutes each
Gathers the main arguments into an introductory statement. Does not give specific
information; just says, "This is true because of A and B and C." A brief statement of your
team's side of the argument along with a statement summarizing the other team's
position and how you will refute it
1.
Topic Presenters:
Present the main arguments for the team. Each presenter gives specific details that
prove A and B and C. This should include all the evidence you have found supporting
your arguments.
Arguments for both sides = 7 minutes each
1.
2.
3.
Rebuttal conference = 1 minute
Rebuttal Presenters:
Rebuttals = 7 minutes each
Answer the arguments of the other team. These presenters must take notes as the other
team is presenting their arguments and respond to every argument, using specific
information to disprove them. Try to convince the audience why your side is correct
and the other side's is not:
(1 or 2)
1.
2.
Closing Statement Presenter:
Closing statements for both sides = 3 minutes each
Presents the closing arguments for the team. Repeats the main idea for this and this and
this reasons. Here you will once again briefly summarize our position, the position of
the opposing team, and your rationale for why yours is the correct position.
1.
Name
Topic
Debate Rules
o
o
o
o
o
No put-downs or insults.
You must raise your hand if it's not your time to speak.
Teams lose 1 point for each interruption.
Teams lose 1 point for whispering while another speaker is talking.
Both sides will sit at the front of the classroom during the debate, and each
member will stand in front of the class when it is his or her turn to speak.
SOME DEBATE DO'S & DONT'S

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DO spend the time to research the topic and prepare for the debate.
o A good presentation is the result of a well-prepared team. Practice what you
will say and how you will say it. Your outline should serve as a general
guideline for what you will argue during the debate.
DO take these debates seriously. You will be graded accordingly. You'll only get an
A if the job you do warrants an A.
DON'T let one team member spoil the party.
o If one person doesn't do his or her fair share of the work, and the other
members do nothing about it, the entire team will suffer the consequences. It
is your team's responsibility, and not that of the instructor, to deal with
"errant" members. And don't forget, you will all have the chance to evaluate
each other's performance (confidentially) for the debate.
DON'T read your presentations. Let me repeat that. DO NOT READ YOUR
PRESENTATIONS!
o There will be a strong temptation for you to stand up in front of the class and
simply read what you have written for the debate. Don't do it! It not only
bores the people in the audience, it also communicates to them (particularly
the instructor) that you have not prepared well enough for the debate (i.e.,
you really don't know your stuff). Having said this ...
DO what it takes so you don't have to read. Having made the point about not
reading, there are some techniques you can use so you don't have to read. Pass out
your outline to the audience. Use overheads with your main points listed. Keep your
outline in front of you with additional notes or guidelines on it. But above all,
prepare for the debate and practice. If you "know" your stuff, you'll be able to
communicate it without having to read it.
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