How do I debate?

The Seawolf Debate Program specializes in extemporaneous debate--that is, debate in which the topic is announced only shortly before the debate begins. This style of debate is closely tied to the news headlines of the day and offers competitors the chance to work with a variety of topics throughout the season. In fact, you may debate as many as 12 different topics in a single tournament!

Check out the description and video of a British Parliamentary debate below. Keep in mind that this quick intro isn't intended to teach you everything you'll need to know--you'll spend hours practicing and getting feedback to improve your skills. In the meantime, check out our Resources page to find more material that can help you develop your debating skills.

Worlds/BP

British Parlimentary Debate

British Parliamentary style is the format of debate practiced at the World Universities Debating Championships, the largest and most diverse collegiate debating competition in the world.

Modeled after the type of debate that happens in the British House of Commons, BP is unique among debate formats in that it features four teams in the round: two on the Proposition (Opening & Closing) and two on the Opposition (Opening & Closing).

Teams are given a single topic each round and have 15 minutes to prepare their arguments. Each member of each two-person team speaks only once for 7 minutes.

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