Parli – Style Debate
Parli debate began in the Rocky Mountain Region in Fall 1991. It is based on the English government –
having members of the government and member of the opposition. It was developed by Directors of
Forensics in Colorado concerned that bright students who had no previous debate experience were being
excluded by CEDA.
The topic changes each round and the information used is based on current events. There is not the burden
of proof/evidence as in CX, but is logic based. Common knowledge is the source – newspapers,
magazines, etc.
ORDER OF AND BURDEN OF SPEECHES: Each speaker should always thank everyone in the room
for listening – Thank the Speaker of the House (judge), members of opposing team, your partner, and
finally, members of the Peanut Gallery. This is stylized etiquette and must be done.
1.
Prime Minister Constructive (7 mins) Affirmative team
 Introduce proposed resolution – “This house believes” or “this house would” is the
correct phrasing for this proposal.
 Begins to build case for the Affirmative
2.
Leader of the Opposition (8 mins) Negative team
 Attack Prime Minister’s case
 Give logical reasons that their arguments are not good
 Establish opposition’s case – point out reasons resolution is harmful, not effective
 Line by line – specific arguments are each point the PM made.
3.
Member of the Government’s Constructive (8 mins) Affirmative team
 Respond to all arguments, refuting/arguing against negative’s case
 Rebuild you affirmative case/defend your case
4.
Member of the Opposition (8 mins) Negative team
 Refute all affirmative arguments
 Rebuilds you case by expounding on negative case
 No new arguments may be presented after first four constructive speeches
NEGATIVE BLOCK
5.
Leader of Opposition Rebuttal (4 mins) Affirmative team
 Must convince judge why they won the round
 Isolate specific arguments
 Summarize case
6.
Prime Minister Rebuttal (5 mins) Affirmative team
 Must convince judge why they won the round
 Isolate specific arguments
 Summarize case
***After one minute of each constructive speech-judge slaps the table. This means that the opponent may
then ask questions, call POI or Point of Information. The speaker may or may not recognize the question.
Form for POI is to stand with one hand behind your head and the other outstretched toward opponent. One
minute before the end of the constructive speech, the judge again slaps on the table as a sign that no more
questions may be asked. If a speaker breaks one of the rules specified in the NPDA Rules for Debating and
Judging, the opposing team may call a Point of Order (POO). There is also a Point of Personal Privilege
(POP). If a speaker is insulting or if they severely misconstrue their argument, the opposing team may call
a POP to call this to the Speaker of the House’s attention.
Value
Worth of an object or idea
Example:
Freedom
Liberty
Freedom of speech
Democracy
Criterion
Way to judge success of round
CBA - cost benefit analysis (Does it save $, resources etc)
RBA – risk benefit analysis (Does it lower risk)
In a Nutshell
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Provides opportunity for students to develop logic and reasoning skills.
Develops extemporaneous speaking skills
Provides case construction
Provides for reinforcement of stock issues – significance, harms, inherency, topicality, and solvency –
the S.H.I.T.S of debate
Provides for opportunity to recognize two sides to every question
Develops flowing abilities
Provides opportunity to discuss current event issues
Students engage in a classroom debate on a timely topic. They use general knowledge (little research) and
little time (20 minutes preparation) to build and defend a case.
Format is the case structure of the Government and Opposition’s arguments
Example “This House believes that all secondary school students should wear uniforms.”
Definitions….define any words in the resolution that maybe problematic
Secondary – grades 7 to 12
Uniforms – standardized unit of dress
Problem...Discuss and analyze the overall problem the resolution solves
Academic Achievement (AA) in America is declining
International test scores are higher than U.S. test scores
This could lead to protectionism, losing our hegemony, isolation, nuke war.
Solution/Plan...All U.S. 7-12 grade students will wear uniforms
Advantages to our plan:
1. increase AA
2. reduce socio-economic discrimination with clothing
3. reduce classroom distractions
4. reduce gang involvement
5. reduce dress code violations
Value…Education
Criterian...Cost Benefit Analysis ($$$)
Risk Benefit Analysis