This is a great example of a debate. Take note of how they begin their speeches, how they ask and answer questions, and how they carry themselves.
Also, make sure you skip over the 15 minutes after the debate ends, but watch the winners being announced at the end of the video.
The classroom debates allow you to strengthen your skills in the areas of leadership, interpersonal influence, teambuilding, group problem solving, and oral presentation. All group members are expected to participate in the research, development, and presentation of your debate position. Preparation will require substantial research.
Preparation is the key to debate. This video will help you understand how to craft your argument.
This worksheet will help you get your own ideas down.
3 minute Affirmative presentation followed immediately by 1 minute questioning by Negative
3 minute Negative presentation followed immediately by 1 minute questioning by Affirmative
3 minute Affirmative presentation followed immediately by 1 minute questioning by Negative
3 minute Negative presentation followed immediately by 1 minute questioning by Affirmative
5 minute Work Period
2 minute Rebuttal by Negative
2 minute Rebuttal by Affirmative
5 minute Tallying of Ballots/Announcement of Winner
This fairly cheesey video actually explains the debate process pretty well. Note that there are many variations the effect the length and the format of the debate. Some just have presentations of positions, some have questioning after a position argument is made. Some have questioning back and forth.
Presentations are your team’s opportunity to inform the judges, construct an argument, and support that argument with research.
Questioning is your opportunity to poke holes in your opponent’s argument.
Answering questions is your opportunity to defend the validity of your argument.
Rebuttal is your opportunity to refute information put forth by the opponent.
“When my opponent stated that Octopi are nature’s best jugglers because they have 8 arms, they ignored the fact that Octopi are underwater and juggling balls float.”