Asian Parliamentary

DebateBasic Debate Seminar

September 16 & 23, 2009

Part One:MECHANICS

What an Asian Parliamentary Debate

Looks Like

The Basics A point of

information lasts for a maximum of 15 seconds

Motions are given 30 minutes prior to the debate

There are 2 teams per round, with 3 members per side (Government and Opposition)

Each speech lasts for about 7 minutes, with the first and last minute uninterrupted In the remaining 5 minutes,

members from the opposing teams can raise POINTS OF INFORMATION

Structure

GovernmentPrime Minister

Deputy Prime Minister

Gov’t Whip

OppositionLeader of Opp’n

Deputy Leader of Opp’n

Opp’n Whip

Part Two:RULES

The Technical Stuff

Motion• Motions must

be defined by the Prime Minister– More on this

later under Speaker Roles

• it is the proposition which the Government side is supposed to defend

• there are three types of motions:– Open motions– Semi-closed motions– Closed motions

DefinitionsUnfair

definitions:

Bad or illegal definitionsare usually challenged(more on this later)

– Truisms– “Squirrels”– Time/Place

Sets– Tautologies

Each definition MUST:– Have a direct link to the

motion– Be fair and debatable– Identify the issues to be

debated and the scope of the debate (criteria or standard)

– Include parameters when necessary

Rules for Challenging

• If a definition provided by the Prime Minister is judged to be a truism, squirrel, time/place set, or a tautology, a definitional challenge may be made

• ONLY the Leader of Opposition may initiate and issue a definitional challenge

• If the LO doesn’t challenge, NO ONE else in the debate may do so

• LO provides an alternative correct definition which he must oppose

• Even-if arguments for both sides

• No automatic wins

Team and Speaker Roles

An Overview

Government

the Deputy PrimeMinister must:• rebut the points of

the LO• Support the

arguments of the PM

• Introduce substantive material to support his/her side of the split

the Prime Ministermust:• introduce the

definition and provide a link to the motion

• introduce the case of the OG

• introduce substantive material to support his/her side of the split

provide a clear and reasonable definitionestablish the issues and scope of the debateadvance a substantive case

Opposition

the Deputy Leader of Opposition must:• rebut the points of

the DPM • Support the

arguments of the LO

• Introduce substantive material to support his/her side of the split

the Leader of Opposition must:• Accept or reject the

definition and provide a link to the motion

• Rebut the points of the PM

• introduce the case of the OO

• introduce substantive material to support his/her side of the split

Examine the definition of OGChallenge or accept the definitionRebut the arguments of OGAdvance a substantive case

Whipsthe GovernmentWhip must:• Summarize the

debate • Reiterate and

support the points of the entire gov’t side

• Introduce fresh examples to support/rebut previously mentioned arguments

the Opposition Whip must:• Summarize the debate • Reiterate and support the

points of the entire opposition side

• Introduce fresh examples to support/rebut previously mentioned arguments

Part Three:Matter, Manner,

MethodIt’s the meat in your sandwich, the heart

of the matter

Matter

Arguments

Rebuttal

POI’s

Matter: Definition

• The content of the speech. It is the arguments a debater uses to further his or her case and persuade the audience

• Includes arguments, reasoning, and examples

• Includes positive (substantive material) and rebuttal

• Includes points of information

Soon to follow:• What is an

argument?

• Rebuttal

• Points of Information

What is an argument?

• the reason why you support or oppose a motion

• argument versus premise

Arguments must

be backed by:• Analysis: go

beyond the label and ask the most important question: WHY?

• Examples: use relevant ones and DON’T argue by example

Rebuttal• All speakers, except the Prime

Minister, are expected to present rebuttal

• Types of rebuttal:– Error of fact– Irrelevancy– Illogical Argument– Unacceptable Implications– Little Weight– Contradictions and Inconsistencies

How much

rebuttal is too

much rebuttal?

- Response triangle

POIs!• Keep it short: You just have

fifteen seconds!• It is the discretion of the

person speaking whether to recognize the point or not

• Types of POIs:– Clarification– Question– Direct rebuttal– Introducing your argument– Bringing back your argument

How often should I raise points of information?

How many points of information

should I ask?

- Respond to the POIs you’ve

accepted

Manner

It matters

how you say it…

Manner: Definition• The presentation of the

speech. It is the style a member uses to further his or her case and persuade the audience

• Comprised of many separate elements.

• There is no correct style of debating

• Don’t be tentative!

• Some things to keep in mind:– Eye contact– Voice

modulation– Hand gestures– Clear and

simple language

– Efficient notes– Look like you’re

winning

Method

Individual Method

And Team Method

Method: Definition

• Can be divided into individual method and team method

• Individual method refers to the organization of your speech

• Team method refers to the flow and consistency of the arguments of the two speakers in a team

Two Kinds of Method

• Individual method:– Structure your speech– Sign-posting– Time management

• Team method:– Allocate your arguments

properly– If you are the first speaker,

give a team split– If you are the second

speaker, refer to your partner regularly

Other things toremember:

LISTEN

MAINTAINPROPER

CONDUCT