DEBATING

A debate is an organised argument. It involves an analysis of issues and ideas. The

rules of debate are the conventions that have developed to regulate the argument. In the
USUAL style of debate in Australia there are two teams, each of three speakers. The
teams are given a subject to debate and are allocated sides of the argument. The team
which must propose (agree with or affirm) the subject is called the AFFIRMATIVE. The
team which must oppose (argue against or negate) the subject is the NEGATIVE. The
first affirmative speaker speaks first, then the first negative, then the second affirmative,
and so forth. The time allotted to each speaker is set for a particular debate and may be
p to 10 minutes for experienced debaters.
An ADJUDICATOR assesses the speakers and teams in three categories: manner,
method and matter. When all the speakers have spoken, the adjudicator will decide
which team has won and will announce the decision and reasons for it. Manner deals
with the presentation of the speech. Such things as the fluency and clarity of speech are
assessed in this category. The principal criterion is effectiveness of communication.
Method is concerned with the organisation of individual speeches and team
presentations; the adjudicator assesses the structure of a speech or speeches and team
presentation. Matter deals with the quality of the material presented, including such
things as the definition, the rebuttal, the arguments used and the choice and use of
examples. Good matter is relevant to the issue in dispute and (hopefully) original.
MANNER: (40% of available marks)
Manner should be familiar to Toastmasters. The debater should use all the skills of
communication (as appropriate) he or she would use in presenting a good speech: vocal
variety, suitable speed of delivery, clear enunciation, use of language, suitable volume for
the surroundings, use of the pause, fluency, clarity of expression, use of humour, eye
contact, gestures, facial expression, stance and dress. If notes are used, make sure they
are unobtrusive.
METHOD: (20% of the available marks)
Debating is a TEAM exercise. Each speaker has a number of specific tasks to fulfil,
relating to his or her position in the debate. These tasks are assigned to ensure that
speakers advance their own side’s argument while attacking the case of their opposition.
First affirmative: the first speaker in the debate is in the unique position of not having to
respond to anything that anybody else says. It is crucial that in this speech the subject
is properly introduced and explained. The subject must be explicitly defined and
justified, leaving no doubt as to the affirmative interpretation. This speaker should
clearly outline the affirmative case and indicate the allocation of material to the first two
speakers. He/she should then present his/her own substantive material.
First negative: the first thing that this speaker must do is to evaluate the affirmative
definition, either accepting or rejecting it. If it is to be rejected, justification of the
negative definition must be provided; the ‘even if’ approach in definition debates is
advised. This speaker examines the case presented by the affirmative, pointing out its
structural flaws and rebutting the specific material presented. He/she should then
outline the negative case and allocation of material and finally present his/her own
substantive material.
Second affirmative. If the definition is still in issue at this stage it is the first thing with
which to deal. The next priority is the negative case and supporting material, which
should be rebutted before moving on to the speaker’s own allocated material.
Second negative: has a very similar task to his/her affirmative counterpart. Once again
the priority should be to attack the opposition case before developing the negative
argument.
Third affirmative: must try to present the affirmative case in the best possibl3e light
before the negative has the last word. He/she must compare and contrast the two cases,
highlighting the weaknesses in the negative argument and the strengths of the
affirmative.
Third negative: as with the third affirmative, the crucial elements of this speaker’s role
are to rebut and summarise, compare and contrast.
NOTE: The convention is that the THIRD speakers may not introduce new material.
Indeed if this is done, it indicates poor team structure. Certainly, if the third Negative
introduces new material the negative side will lose the debate. Any idea or example
raised by a third speaker to rebut what the other side has said will not be considered new
material. It will only be considered new material if it is raised to support the speaker’s
own case and has not been previously raised.
External timing
There are usually two bells or lights. The first is a warning to begin winding up; you
must finish by the second bell or very quickly after it. Do not introduce new material
after the second bell.
Internal timing
Suggested only, flexibility may be required:
• First affirmative: 40-50% on definition, allocation and explanation of the affirmative
case; 50-60% on case development.
• First negative: 30-40% attacking the affirmative case, 20% setting up the negative,
case, 40-50% on case development
• Second speakers: 40-60% on rebuttal, 40-60% on case development.
• Third speakers: various, depending on style and their team’s case structure, but
about 20% should be spent on summary, be it explicit or by means of ‘compare and
contrast’.
MATTER (40% of available marks)
Matter comprises everything that is said in a debate. It includes the definition of the
subject, any subsequent justifications of the definition, rebuttal of the opposition,
defining a team line, the argument itself and the examples a team uses to support its
case. Matter should be relevant to the subject of the debate. It is judged by the way it
establishes an argument.
PREPARATION
“Debates are often won (and lost) during preparation, before the debate itself actually
begins”. Preparation is vital. Most of the preparation will involve all three members of
the team, but the individuals should not forget preparation of their own speeches. While
there is no specific way to prepare which is superior to others, the following headings
have been found useful in practice:
1. Brainstorming (before any discussion)
2. Form of the subject
3. Focus (the main issue of the subject)
4. Reasonable person’s interpretation
5. Alternative meanings
6. Burden of proof
7. Degree (criteria for proof)
8. Scope
9. Specific definition
10.Review of arguments and examples
11.Case line
12.Possible counter-arguments
13.Allocation of material (to first two speakers)
14. Case evaluation (Please refer to The Debating Book for further details)

PS
• A debating team may appoint a team captain if desired
• Don’t address opposition by name, but by debating position, eg first speaker of
negative.
• Debating is teamwork. Thus ‘we believe’ not ‘I believe’.