Debate (updated)

Teams should plan on arriving by 6:30.

Dress Code:

Gentlemen: Dress shirts, ties, and dark (black, navy, or gray) suits or blazers
Ladies: Dark dresses or business wear

Please consider bringing cookies or similar treats for the reception, thanks!

Format: 

1. Opening Words by the Chairman (5 min.)

The Chairman, who should always be addressed as Mr. Chairman, will open with a few words on the debate, floor debate and voting procedures. The Chairman will then call on the first speaker to begin the debate.

2. Introductions & The First Speaker for the Proposition  (7 min.)

It is the duty of the first speaker for the proposition to introduce the other guest speakers.

“Mr. Chairman, as the first speaker this evening, it is my honour to introduce your guests”.

Each speaker should then be introduced by name.

After introducing the final guest the speaker may say “Mr. Chairman, these are your guests and they are most welcome” hopefully to be followed by applause from the audience.

The chairman will call upon the first speaker to begin the debate.

The first speaker should then begin the debate.

3. The First Speaker for the Opposition (5 min.)

The Chairman will thank the speaker and open the debate from the floor.

4. The Second Speaker for the Proposition (5 min.)

The Chairman will thank the speaker and open the debate from the floor.

5. The Second Speaker for the Opposition (5 min.)

The Chairman will thank the speaker and call upon the next speaker.

6. The Third speaker for the Proposition (5 min.)

 The Chairman will thank the speaker and open the debate from the floor.

7. The Third Speaker for the Opposition (5 min.)

The Chairman will thank the speaker and open the debate from the floor.

8. The Fourth Speaker for the Proposition (5 min.)

The Chairman will thank the speaker and open the debate from the floor.

9. The Fourth Speaker for the Opposition (5 min.)

The Chairman will thank the speaker and open the debate from the floor.

10. Debate from the floor (10 min.)

 The Chairman will end the floor debate and call upon the next speaker.

This is the opportunity for the audience to join in the debate by asking questions. This will be limited to 10 minutes or until the final question has been answered.

The Chairman will thank the speakers and call for the rebuttal speeches.

11. Rebuttals  (10 min.) 

5 minutes will be allocated to each side to make a final rebuttal, with the proposition going first.

The Chairman will call an end to the debate and call for the voting to begin.

12. Voting (5 min.) 

A vote will be called by the chairman

13. Reception