The Journey of a Mama

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 ch...

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...