I'm thinking of running some more formal debates if anyone is interested, since we seem to have some pretty good debaters.
Each debate will have a motion, such as "This house believes that violent video games should be banned." There will be a proposition (for the motion) and an opposition (against the motion). Depending on popularity, each side will comprise of 1, 2 or 4 speakers (/typers). The side which you're on will be randomly chosen (unless peoples' preferences work out), since it's about debating well, not your personal opinion.
The format will be along the lines of:
Motion introduced
1st speaker for the proposition
1st speaker for the opposition
2nd speaker for the proposition
2nd speaker for the opposition
3rd speaker for the proposition
3rd speaker for the opposition
Perhaps a few questions from the floor (other people)
Closing speaker for the proposition
Closing speaker for the opposition
If anyone is interested, I'll write some guidelines on how to lay out speeches for a formal debate.
Speeches will need to be polite. There will be a maximum post length (probably around 1000-1500 words). Citations for any evidence used, or points made, will need to be given. Failure to sufficiently meet these requirements will result in that side forfeiting.
If there are fewer people involved, it may just be 2 speeches for each side. Posts not made by speakers will be deleted unless the floor has been opened for questions.
After the debate has finished, polls will be opened for people to vote 'yay' or 'nay'. They will be asked to vote on whichever side they think debated best, not on their initial opinion, if possible. The winning side will get a medal or something.
Make a post if you want to be included, and/or you have a suggestion for a motion.
Thanks,
ninja
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Motion Suggestions
Layout of a formal debate speech:
Opening speech
Define the motion (i.e. say how you are interpreting the motion, so if it's 'THBT violent computer games should be banned', you'd define 'violent computer games' and what you mean by 'banned'.)
(For the opposition's first speaker) Short rebuttal - you should points out any flaws you can find in the previous speaker's arguments, perhaps by proposing an argument or facts/figures to the contrary - remember to be polite
Short outline of your arguments (e.g. "I have 3 main points: "..." , "...", and "....".)
Go through your arguments in order - try to give them a logical order and make your argument flow
Summarise and prioritise - sum up your argument, highlighting the one you think is the most important
Other speeches
Rebuttal - as in the opening speech but can be in more detail
Short outline of your arguments
Go through your arguments in order
Summarise and prioritise
Closing speech
Short rebuttal - as in the opening speech
Sum up the arguments presented by your side (proposition or opposition), emphasising the strongest arguments to leave the floor (voters) wanting to vote for your side!
As a matter of tradition, usually speeches start with a formal address along the lines of "Mr/Mrs Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the floor, my honourable opposition" but you don't have to include this is you don't want to.
Edited by ninja on 09/02/2012 12:39:47
I got a big blue star for posting. i must be special
Posts: 1634 Joined: 10.04.12
i dont get that lol
So i dont have to repeat it that often: Im from Poland and i live in Germany lol
You can tellem that ive been through hell and back
I've posted a little guide to laying out speeches for a formal debate in the OP.
The first motion is going to be: "This house believes that animals should not be used in drug testing."
If you'd like to take part, make a post here. If you have a preference to which side you'd like to debate for, say so, but I won't guarantee you getting that. Remember this is about debating, not your personal opinion.
I'd like to have 2 per side if possible, but we can do a 1v1.
