We participate in the International Public Debate Association, IPDA. IPDA emphasizes a real-world approach to debate by encouraging lay judges and having a short prep time with a focus on logic-based arguments through quality speaking ability.
Public debate is designed to mirror debates which often occur in our modern society; accordingly, public debates range from intricate policy advocacy (like one may hear in the halls of congress) to more light hearted metaphorical argument. The debaters speak extemporaneously in public debate, using only the notes they have made during the debate and preparation period. The debate consists of two debaters and one judge.
Each round has five topics that are eliminated down to one by each debater; topics range from social media, foreign and domestic politics, technology, philosophy, etc.
Preparation: each round consists of a strict 30 minute preparation time to ensure a thoughtful, yet extemporaneous, outlook on the topic. Debaters may use laptops for preparation
Format: During preparation time, the participants analyze the proposition and outline their major arguments. They ask themselves: What does this proposition mean? What important issues are raised by it? How may it be affirmed or denied? What examples and events are relevant to its discussion? One debater will affirm the topic, the affirmative speaker, and the other debater negates, or disagrees, with the topic, the negative speaker.
Each debate lasts for about 20 minutes
Contact Aaron Toscano at atoscano@uncc.edu for more information