The Official Debating Manual

To purchase a copy of this manual in full, please contact Debating SA.

Table of Contents
Table of Contents ................................................................................................................... 3

Foreword................................................................................................................................. 5

What is a Debate? ................................................................................................................. 7

Scoring ........................................................................................................................................................ 7
The Layout of a Debate .......................................................................................................................... 8

How to Prepare a Debate in Ten Steps ................................................................................ 9

Matter ................................................................................................................................... 10

Definition and Interpretation of the Topic ......................................................................... 10

Tricky or Quirky Definitions and Interpretations.................................................................................. 12
Truisms ....................................................................................................................................................... 12
Definition Debates .................................................................................................................................. 13

Arguments ............................................................................................................................ 16
What is an Argument? ........................................................................................................................... 16
How to Construct Arguments ............................................................................................................... 16
Step 1: Brainstorming Arguments ............................................................................................ 18
Step 2: Grouping Arguments................................................................................................... 18
Step 3: Allocating Arguments to Speakers ............................................................................ 19
Step 4: Providing Reason(s) and Evidence to Support Each Argument ............................ 20
Step 5: Structuring Arguments in an Easy-To-Follow Form .................................................... 20
The AREAL Argument Model ................................................................................................... 21
Using Examples and Illustrations .............................................................................................. 21
Structuring Arguments Within a Speech ............................................................................................. 24

Rebuttal ................................................................................................................................ 26
Preparing Rebuttal ................................................................................................................................. 26
How to Rebut Arguments Raised ......................................................................................................... 27
Organising Rebuttal Within a Speech ................................................................................................. 27
Ordering Rebuttal ................................................................................................................................... 27
How to Present Rebuttal in a Debate ................................................................................................. 27
Helpful Phrases When Rebutting .......................................................................................................... 28

Fallacies ............................................................................................................................... 29
Fallacies of Argument ............................................................................................................................ 29
Fallacies of Rebuttal ............................................................................................................................... 32

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The Official Debating Manual
To purchase a copy of this manual in full, please contact Debating SA.
Manner.................................................................................................................................. 34
Style of Presentation............................................................................................................................... 34
Facial Gestures and Eye Contact ....................................................................................................... 34
Body Language ...................................................................................................................................... 35
Voice ........................................................................................................................................................ 35
Humour ..................................................................................................................................................... 36
Dress .......................................................................................................................................................... 36

Method ................................................................................................................................. 37
Duties of Speakers .................................................................................................................................. 37
Explanation of Speaker Duties ............................................................................................................. 38
New Matter from Third Speakers .......................................................................................................... 41
Timing of Speeches ................................................................................................................................ 41

Debating Formats ................................................................................................................ 42

Prepared Format .................................................................................................................................... 42
Short Preparation Format ...................................................................................................................... 42
Lateral Format ......................................................................................................................................... 42
Quodlibetical Format............................................................................................................................. 43
One Card Format ................................................................................................................................... 43
Point of Information Format .................................................................................................................. 44
Cross Examination Format..................................................................................................................... 45

Appendix 1: Suggested Research Sources ....................................................................... 46

Appendix 2: Some Doctrines .............................................................................................. 50

Glossary ................................................................................................................................ 51

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