This document provides information about how debates are structured and tips for participating in a debate. It explains that debates involve two teams arguing for or against a resolution, with structured speeches and rebuttals. The major parts of a debate are the constructive speech, cross-examination, and rebuttal. Successful debaters prepare thoroughly, address all arguments of their opponents, and stay focused on the resolution within the allotted time limits.

1. • an argument with rules
• two teams present a resolution (sometimes
called a proposition) or topic that they will
debate
• Timed arguments
• One team is for the resolution (PRO or
affirmative) and the other team is
(AGAINST or negative)
• a judge decides at the end of the debate
who is the winner (based on point system)

2. Order of Speaking
• Very important
• Cannot be changed
• See handout

3. The 3 major parts of a
debate
1. CONSTRUCTIVE SPEECH
2. CROSS EXAMINATION
3. REBUTTAL

4. 1. CONSTRUCTIVE SPEECH
• Begins with BIRT (Be it resolved that…)
• States 3 or 4 supporting points first
• Then elaborates on each one
• Plan your strategy (for e.g., go from
strongest to weakest)
• Recap at the end

5. 2. CROSS-EXAMINATION
• Most difficult part
• Thinking on your feet
• Question the validity of your
opponents' constructive speech by source,
date, relevance
• Show their weakest points
• Question them aggressively
• Start with general questions then get
really specific
• Undermine the evidence

6. 3. REBUTTAL
• Designed to argue the case made
• It's your time to point out the
inconsistences, absurdities, and illogical
argurments of your opponents.
• Provides the opportunity for speakers to
critique their opponents' arguments
• Absolutely no new evidence may be
presented during this time
• It's time to do some final damage here

7. •The first speaker in a debate
must make sure that the
resolution is clearly stated and
defined.

8. What is the Resolution?
• The topic of the debate
• The point on which both parties have
agreed to debate
• Always stated in the positive
• Begins with the phrase (BIRT):
Be it resolved that …

9. Some examples:
• Be it resolved that Canada is a better
place to live than the U.S.A.
NOT
• Be it resolved that Canada is not a
better place to live than the U.S.A.

10. And …
• Be it resolved that all public schools
in Canada should make uniforms
mandatory for all students.
NOT
• Be it resolved that all public schools
should not make uniforms mandatory
for all students.

11. Debating Tips and Strategies
• There are many
ways to structure a
debate
• In this class, you
will follow the
handouts carefully
and the time
allotments will not

12. •DON’T side track your
opponents with irrelevant
points, stay on topic.
•DON’T attack your
opponents.
•DO stick to your planned,
researched arguments.

13. TIPS
• Cue cards can help a debater to stay
focused, but DON’T read from them,
use them as a guide.
• Speak to the audience or moderator,
not the teacher.

14. •DO thoroughly research your
topic and position, the best
start to squashing a rebuttal
is a well researched, well
designed presentation.
•DON’T simply state facts:
•This is the path to being a
dull speaker
•Not stating sources or not
backing up statements can
lead to heavy rebuttal from
your opponents

15. •DO use humor and / or anecdotes in your
speaking:
•Using examples helps illustrate your position, and
uses an argument of precedence
•Make sure your information is appropriate

16. IMPORTANT
TIME IS A VERY IMPORTANT
FACTOR IN A
DEBATE……………….

17. •DO be aware of time
constraints, if there are
any.
•Practice your initial
speech so you will be “on
top” of the situation.
•Know what it feels like to
speak for the allotted
length of time, speaking
too much or not enough
weakens your position.

18. •DON’T use inappropriate
language or gestures:
•People will ignore your
information if not presented
in an appropriate manner.
•DON’T try to “juggle” too many points
at once. State your ideas in a logical
order.
•TIP: the more you practice and plan
your speaking, the less nervous you will
be.

19. Any argument that you do not
address in a rebuttal will be left in
the memory of others as your
opponents stated it.
Likewise, any rebuttal from your
opponents that you do not address
will also be left in the minds of
your audience / judges.

20. •DO be aware of what your partner(s) plans are.
•DON’T work alone and risk being redundant, make the
most of your team’s time.

21. •DO recycle
information in your
closing speech.
•Remember:The closing
speaker(s) should sum
up all relevant
arguments and
rebuttals without
introducing any new
information.

22. Follow these
tips and
suggestions,
and
everything
will come
together for
a successful
debate!!!