THE DUTIES EACH SPEAKERS OF DEBATE

First Proposition

·         Provides the team’s definitions

·         Provides the clarifications and parameters

·         Outlines case division for Proposition

·         Delivers 3 or 2 substantive arguments  in support of the motion

The first speakers in the debate are critical because that they establish the definitions and the clarifications for the debate. This action creates the foundation for a good debate to build upon. The First Proposition Speaker thus has the onus to provide a fair and comprehensive definition for the debate and for the First Opposition Speaker to ensure that these definitions are acceptable prior to proceeding with the debate. Without this foundation, arguments tend to be delivered in a vacuum and poor debates general ensue.

The First Proposition Speaker has an additional challenge because the room is generally “cold” prior to the start of the debate. This means that the judges and the audiences have not fully devoted their attention to the debate and can still be distracted. Thus, the speaker will have to inject the necessary energy into the audience and the room in order to bring the debate to life.

First Proposition Speakers usually take advantage of the ability to open the debate by delivering the strongest arguments for the Proposition's side. These speakers also use the opportunity provided by not needing to rebut to put forward strongly developed substantive arguments with multiple examples to win the audience and the judges over as soon as possible.

Unlike the other speakers in the debate, the First Proposition Speaker will not have the opportunity to respond directly to the opponents’ arguments. Thus, First Proposition Speakers should make the best use of opportunities such as the giving and taking of POIs to showcase their ability to engage and rebut their opponents.

For more on the components of the First Proposition Speech, please refer to “The Set Up.”

First Opposition

• Accepts / Challenges/ Expands definitions, as necessary
• Delivers Opposition’s clarifications
• Rebuts First Proposition’s substantive arguments
• Outlines case division for Opposition
• Delivers 3 or 2 substantive arguments opposing the motion

The First Opposition position can be challenging as this speaker has the least amount of time to prepare to respond to two major components, i.e., the Proposition’s definitions and the First Proposition’s substantive argument. The First Opposition Speaker will have to make decisions quickly on whether the definition is to be accepted, challenged or expanded. If the definition is to be challenged, the First Opposition Speaker will then have to explain why there is a need to challenge, provide the counter definition and still rebut the argumentation provided by Proposition.

First Opposition Speakers also have the responsibility of delivering the Opposition's strongest arguments against the motion. These speakers will also be responsible for providing the first attack on the Proposition's strongest arguments within the debate.

For more on the components of the First Opposition Speech, please refer to “The Set Up.”

Second Speakers

Second Proposition

• Defends definition (if challenged)
• Rebuts First Opposition’s substantive arguments
• Defends First Proposition’s substantive arguments (if necessary)
• Delivers 2 substantive arguments in support of the motion

Second Opposition

• Re-Challenges definition (if already challenged)
• Rebuts Second Proposition’s substantive arguments
• Rebuts First Proposition’s substantive arguments (if necessary)
• Defends First Opposition’s substantive arguments (if necessary)
• Delivers 2 substantive arguments opposing the motion

The Second Speaker’s position is special as it provides an ideal opportunity to evaluate the overall stance taken by the ppposing team and provide critique on the general approach taken by the opponents. This evaluative process is especially useful for the Third Speakers in framing their rebuttals and for the Summary Speakers to frame their Reply speeches.

The Second Speakers are also in a good position to add new dimensions to the debate by developing their argumentation further. This allows the team to broaden the scope of the debate and demonstrate that its approach to the motion does not rest on a single line of argumentation or logic. For instance, if the debate has focused mainly on economic issues, the Second Speakers can switch to more social or political perspectives.

Third Speakers

Third Proposition

• Defends definition (if challenged)
• Rebuts the Opposition’s substantive arguments
• Defends Proposition’s substantive arguments (if necessary)
• Provides quick summary of Proposition’s case
• Has option to run a constructive argument

Third Opposition

• Re-challenges definition (if challenged)
• Rebuts the Proposition’s substantive arguments
• Defends Opposition’s substantive arguments (if necessary)
• Provides quick summary of Opposition’s case

The Third Speakers’ primary role is to attack the substantive arguments raised by the opposing team. Although the Third Proposition Speaker has the option of delivering a small substantive argument, most find it more useful to devote the time allocated to attacking the Opposition's case. Most Third Proposition Speakers who tried to include a substantive argument generally run short of time for rebuttals or are forced to drop the argument altogether. This will then cause the judges to wonder why the substantive argument was not given to one of the earlier speakers. The Third Opposition Speaker is not allowed to bring up new constructive arguments within a debate as the Proposition will no longer have an opportunity to rebut these points.

The Third Speakers should focus primarily on rebutting their opponent’s substantive arguments. Although some of these substantive points may already have been rebutted by the Second Speakers or the First Opposition Speaker, the Third Speaker can add value to the debate by developing the rebuttals further. This means that the Third Speaker can rebut these arguments from a different perspective (e.g., impact on individual vs impact on society) or a different dimension (e.g., short term vs long term).

Third Speakers should also address the key examples in their opponents’ cases while adding more examples in their own rebuttals. This does not mean that the Third Speakers should horde examples. In fact, the best examples should be provided to the First and Second Speakers. However, Third Speakers must be able to generate even more examples to support the arguments and rebuttals. Using the examples already raised by the earlier speakers could make the Thirds appear as if they are only regurgitating the points rather than adding value to the debate.

Third Speakers should avoid merely listing the arguments in chronological order. Rather, they should re-organize the points into two or three distinct categories (e.g, Political, Economic and Social; Impact on Children, the poor and Minorities, etc) and deliver them based on their order of importance.

Source : http://debateable.org/debate-topics/speaker-roles