DEBATE - SPEAKER ROLES

Myth 1. Some speaker positions are more important than others.
Truth: Each speaker position is just as important as the other and contributes the same number of points for the team. The detailed analysis of the various positions on this page shows how each position is critical to the debate.

Myth 2. The “best” Debaters should always be used in the most important positions.
Truth: Different speakers have different attributes and they should be assigned to different positions based on how these attributes match up with each position.

Myth 3. Once committed to a certain position, the speakers should never change.
Truth: Although all speakers should specialize to a certain extent, especially during tournaments, they should not get into the mindset that they are unable to step into the other positions. This flexibility is especially useful when teammates may be unable to speak due to illness and other reasons. Many of the best speakers are often comfortable speaking in 2 or more positions and will switch roles even during a tournament.


FIRST PROPOSITION/GOVERNMENT/AFFIRMATIVE

     1.       Provides the team’s definitions

     2.       Provides the clarifications and parameters

     3.       Outlines case division for Proposition

     4.       Delivers 3 or 2 substantive arguments  in support of the motion

FIRST OPPOSITION/NEGATIVE

1. Accepts / Challenges/ Expands definitions (make assumption), as necessary
2. Delivers Opposition’s clarifications
3. Rebuts First Proposition’s substantive arguments
4. Outlines case division for Opposition
5. Delivers 3 or 2 substantive arguments opposing the motion

Second Proposition

1. Defends definition (if challenged)
2. Rebuts First Opposition’s substantive arguments
3. Defends First Proposition’s substantive arguments (if necessary)
4. Delivers 2 substantive arguments in support of the motion (extension case)

Second Opposition

1. Re-Challenges definition (if already challenged)
2. Rebuts Second Proposition’s substantive arguments
3. Rebuts First Proposition’s substantive arguments (if necessary)
4. Defends First Opposition’s substantive arguments (if necessary)
5. Delivers 2 substantive arguments opposing the motion (extension case)

Third Proposition

1. Defends definition (if challenged)
2. Rebuts the Opposition’s substantive arguments
3. Defends Proposition’s substantive arguments (if necessary)
4. Provides quick summary of Proposition’s case
5. Has option to run a constructive argument

Third Opposition

1. Re-challenges definition (if challenged)
2. Rebuts the Proposition’s substantive arguments
3. Defends Opposition’s substantive arguments (if necessary)
4. Provides quick summary of Opposition’s case

REPLY/SUMMARY SPEAKERS

1. Summarise the key points raised by both teams
2. Focus on the key areas of clash between the two teams
3. Analyse and evaluate why the debate was won by their team
4. May only be delivered by the First or Second speaker from each team

The Reply Speakers will therefore add value to the debate in the following two ways:
First, they demonstrate their understanding of the core issues of the debate by summarising and grouping the arguments into broad areas of clash
Second, Reply Speakers bring the biggest value to the debate with evaluative analysis