Points of Information (POI)
A point of information or POI is a strategic tool to highlight or call to attention the weaknesses in your opponents’ argument. As a rule, POIs should be less than 15 seconds long, specific and to the point. Being able to limit your assertion, statement or questions in a few words will have a more powerful impact.
How many POIs?
The minimum POI that must be accepted is one. However, you can give as many POIs as you want. It is up to the speaker to accept or refuse.
How many to accept?
Given that there are only 5 minutes to speak, you must manage your time carefully. One or two POIs can eat up your time and you may find yourself in a situation where you are unable to finish your own arguments. If at all possible, you want to make sure you can finish your arguments and have time for 1 or more POIs. When you are preparing for your role, keep in mind that you will have to answer at least 1 POI and add the estimated time to your speaking time.
What if I cannot answer the POI?
There will be times when you are unable to answer a POI. Instead of stuttering, or looking nervous, you can do the following to buy some time, asks the speaker to repeat or clarify their POI. This may buy you a few seconds to think of your answer. If there is a long silent pause, then the audience will think that you are unable to answer. The true test of debate preparedness is whether you can answer all your POIs with confidence.
What POIs are not:
Asking the speaker to repeat their last sentence or point or requesting an obvious clarification. Unless you think that everyone did not understand the speaker, then this may be a valid point. However, if the only purpose of this statement is to get a POI point, then such a point does not add value to the debate.