Debate: Speech and Theater Arts PDF

# Debate **Battle of Wits!** A formal discussion on a particular topic in a public meeting or legislative assembly, in which opposing arguments are put forward. ## Types of Debate ### Lincoln-Douglas Debate Is a kind of debate where there is only one speaker in the side of the affirmative. The...

# Debate **Battle of Wits!** A formal discussion on a particular topic in a public meeting or legislative assembly, in which opposing arguments are put forward. ## Types of Debate ### Lincoln-Douglas Debate Is a kind of debate where there is only one speaker in the side of the affirmative. The affirmative side opens the debate, and is then followed by the negative speaker ### The Rebuttal Debate Is a kind of debate where each team, from the affirmative and the negative side, is composed of about 2 or 3 members. As the debate starts, the affirmative speaker opens the constructive speech and the negative speaker starts the rebuttal. Every speaker is allowed to deliver a rebuttal speech. The debate is closed with the affirmative side delivering. ### One Rebuttal Type of Debate: Is considered as a modified form of the Lincoln-Douglas type of debate. However, in this type of debate, there are about 2-3 members in both the affirmative and the negative side. In this debate, all of the speakers are allowed to refute the arguments of their opponent, with the exception of the first affirmative speaker. Who is given the first opportunity to speak. ### Oregon-Oxford Debate: A traditional debate format used in elementary, governors debate, house debate rules, parliamentary debate rules, high school debate, YouTube debate, presidential debate, colleges, and all over the country. - There are two sides in this format: the affirmative and the negative. - The affirmative proves the validity of the issue or topic, called the proposition. - The negative side disproves it. - Each team has 2 members. ## Basics of Debate ### Constructive Speech The presentation of each team member's arguments and evidence for each aspect of the case. - Speech types of Constructive Speech may be: - Reading Method - Memory Method - Extemporaneous - Mix method of memory and conversational or dramatic ### Tips - Poise - Gestures - Audience Contact - Voice Projection ### Interpellation The opportunity for the opposing debater to ask questions #### Reminders: 1. Questions should focus on arguments developed in the speech of your opponent. 2. Courtesy 3. Both speakers stand and face the audience during the interpellation period. 4. Once the questioning has begun, neither the questioner nor his opponent may consult a colleague. Consultation should be done before, but as quietly as possible. 5. Questioners should ask brief and easily understandable questions. Answers should equally be brief. Categorical questions answerable by yes or no are allowed but the opponent can qualify their answer with why yes or why no. 6. Questioner may not cut off a reasonable and qualifying answer, but he may cut off a verbose response with a statement such as "Thank you", "That is enough information", or... 7. A questioner should not comment on the response of his opponent. 8. The opponent may refuse to answer ambiguous, irrelevant or loaded questions by asking the questioner to rephrase. ## Reasons ### Cross Examination 1. To clarify points 2. To expose errors 3. To obtain admissions 4. To setup arguments 5. To save prep time 6. To show the judge how cool you are so they want to vote for you. ## Rebuttal The summary and defense of each team's arguments and evidence, to be delivered by the team captain. ## Proposition Formal topics or issues for debate, which is argued upon by two bodies or sides. - Are written on a declarative way. ### Examples: 1. Same sex marriage should be legal in the Philippines. 2. The Cordillera Administrative Region shall be an autonomous region. ## Members of the Body ### Moderator 1. To reveal the issue involved in the debate. 2. To rule on points of clarification about the issues or questions and answers made during the interpellation. 3. To see to it that the debate is orderly and follows the rules of parliamentary procedures. ### Timekeeper 1. To time the speakers and debaters accurately. 2. To give the speakers a one-minute warning with the ringing of the bell once before their time is up. 3. To prevent the debaters from exceeding the time allotted to them by ringing the bell twice. ### Jury Will judge and determine what group or side won the debate without any biases. ### Audience Members of the body that needs to be persuaded. ### Affirmative (PROS) In favor of the proposition given. ### Negative (CONS) Against the given proposition. # Conclusion **Don't just talk, but speak; don't just hear but listen!**