DEBATE MECHANICS

Oral Communication
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1) The class is divided into two sessions. Each session has two groups: the proposition and the opposition.
2) Before the debate, the audience will write down their overall stance on the topic (for or against).
Audience members should take notes on what they learned and, at the end of the debate, write down
something they have learned and, again, their overall stance on the topic (for or against).
3) DEBATE FORMAT:
a.) OPENING STATEMENTS AND ARGUMENTS
a. Introduction of the Topic by the Chair/Moderator
b. Proposition opening statement (3 minutes)
c. Opposition opening statement (3 minutes)
d. Proposition first argument (3 minutes)
e. Opposition first argument (3 minutes)
f. Proposition second argument (3 minutes)
g. Opposition second argument (3 minutes)

NOTE: each speaker/member of the group must present an argument, whether a different angle
or an elaboration of a previous argument. If there are five (5) members in your group, one
member oversees the opening statement, another for the closing statement, and the other
three (3) are for the arguments. The number of arguments vary depending on the number of
members in the group.

b.) INTRA-PANEL/OPEN DISCUSSION

The proposition and opposition are given 10 minutes to engage with one another directly. The
chair/moderator and the audience may also ask questions to gain further clarifications on each
side’s arguments.

c.) CLOSING REMARKS

The debaters deliver separate 2-minute closing arguments to reiterate their points, sell their
argument, and persuade the audience to vote for their side. Once both sides have shared their
closing arguments, the audience places their final vote. The greater the percentage change
between the first and second votes determines the debate winner.