What is Debating?
There are different styles of debating but the most popular form is the
Parliamentary style in which two teams composed of three speakers each debate
a motion or proposition such as “This house would never negotiate with
terrorists”
The side that argues for the proposition will divide the arguments for the motion
up between them, as will the side that argues against the motion
So, take the motion above. The first stage in the process is, once given the
motion, both teams separately construct their cases, i.e. discuss what the motion
means , find the issues which they consider most important, and find arguments
for either supporting or defeating the motion. Once the case is prepared each
speaker will write their speech.
When the debate begins, the first speaker for the proposition will
characterize/define the motion. He/she will tell the house(the audience) what
they think the proposition means and then he/she will tell the house what
arguments will be used to defend the motion. Before entering into the
arguments he/she will be presenting and elaborating upon he/she will tell the
house how the teams arguments will be divided up between the respective team
members(the second and third speakers)
The first speaker for the opposition also informs the house of the arguments
the team will be using to defeat the motion and will tell the audience which
members of the team will be presenting which arguments. But the first speaker
also has two other important tasks,. He/she will either accept the propositions
definition of the motion or contest it. If he/she does the latter, reasons must be
given and perhaps an alternative definition offered. Furthermore and most
importantly the first speaker of the opposition must rebut the argument which
the first speaker of the proposition has chosen to defend the motion.
The second speakers of both sides will present the arguments for and against
the motion that have been allocated to them by the first speaker and of course
rebut the arguments of the speaker previous to them.
The third speakers function is usually to summarize and reshape the argument
of their team.
There are also reply speeches in which both sides try to anticipate the verdict of
the judges for their arguments and give the kind of reasons for winning the
contest that a judge would give. Reply speeches are 4 minutes long and the
other speeches are usually 8 minutes long although perhaps in the initial
learning period the speech length can be shortened to 5 minutes and the reply
speeches to half their normal length.
There are normally three judges judging every debate and they will give points
to each speaker in the team in accordance with the criteria of
Content =40 points
Style= 40 points
Strategy =20 points
Sweden has competed four times in the World Schools debating Championships
In Athens, in Qatar, in Dundee and in cape Town South Africa
The next Swedish National Championship will take place in Sigtuna the 13 th of
October.
One person at the school, preferably a teacher or an adult needs to take on the
responsibility of leading the debating society at that school. The society should
meet at least once a week to discuss technique and actually debate motions. The
same person might also act as the coach for the team although it might be best if
someone different is given this task. Cas points for Creativity and Service can
be awarded for participation in the activities of an organized society. The School
should be a member of the newly formed Swedish Debating Society if they wish
to participate in the Swedish Championships.
Michael James
Swedish Team Manager and Coach
Sigtunaskolan Humanistiska Läroverket