DEBATE - How to Organize and Conduct Debate Effectively?

DEBATE – How to Organize and Conduct Debate Effectively?

Do you know a debate?

Debate is a discussion where by individuals express their arguments by focusing on a specific topic or idea. Usually, in a school context, a debate involves two sides or teams
i.e one is supporting a proposition or proposing side ( the affirmative team), and one opposing a proposition or opposing side (the opposing team).

A debate is a structured discussion where two opposing sides present arguments on a specific topic. A debate is comprising of a topic, (called motion) in which there are two sides, the opposing and proposing sides, each debate has a chairperson, (supervise the debate) secretary, (recording the points spoken) time keeper (make people to keep time per regulations) and language corrector (correct grammatical mistakes of speakers). To avoid the wastage of time and people speaking out of time, all debates have a time limit; you cannot have a debate without time limit.

The debate starts with the chairperson introducing the audiences, participants, both sides, then participants start to explain their views on a certain motion.
After all controversies’ of the two sides, the chairperson will read all points and declare the winning group.

Debate terms

Leaders of the debate session

The debate should have a leadership to ensure the quality of evidence, argument and the performance of the debate hence making a judgment. The leaders of debate include a chairperson, a secretary, a timekeeper, judges, moderator, Grammarian, motion mover and main speakers (opposing and proposing side) as explained their tasks below.

1. Moderator

The moderator oversees the debate and ensures smooth proceedings sometimes he could be a teacher. Their responsibilities include:

Setting the rules and format of the debate.
Introducing the topic and participants.
Ensuring each speaker follows time limits.
Maintaining neutrality and preventing disruptions.
Summarizing key points to keep the discussion focused.

2. Chairperson

This is the person in charge of the debate session. He/she is the one who controls all the activities during the debate. The chairperson is the one who opens the debate session. He/she welcomes the audience to the debate session. The chairperson is responsible for the overall management of the debate. Their duties include:

He/she mentions the motion of the debate and list of participants from both sides i.e. the proposing and opposing sides
Organizing the debate schedule and participants.
Coordinating with judges and moderators.
Ensuring fairness and adherence to debate rules.
Closing the debate with a summary or final remarks.
He/she introduces the judges, secretary, timekeeper and all the people having duties during the debate session.

3. Secretary

The secretary writes down or records all the points given by the main speakers. The secretary records and organizes information related to the debate.

Prepares the debate agenda and keeps participant records.
Takes minutes, noting key arguments and rebuttals.
Tracks time (if needed) and assists in scorekeeping.
Writes a debate summary and keeps records for future reference
Assists the moderator with organizational tasks.

4. Main speakers (Team Leaders) (For and Against)

These are the debaters. They debate for or against the motion. They are divided in two groups. The first group proposes the motion (SUPPORTERS/PROPOSERS). These argue for the motion. The second group opposes the motion. This group argues against the motion (OPPOSERS/OPPOSING SIDE). Each debate team has a leader who guides their side’s argument.

Their responsibilities include:
Defining their team’s stance on the topic.
Assigning speaking roles to team members.
Preparing strong arguments with supporting evidence.
Keeping the team focused and responding effectively to counterarguments.

5. Judges

These listen attentively to the points given by both sides. The judges fill the score sheets then give them to the chairperson for the announcement of the winning side. However, in some debates the judgment is done by the audience by voting. In competitive debates, judges evaluate the discussion and declare a winner Normally she / he could be teacher. Their duties include:

Assessing arguments based on logic, evidence, and delivery.
Scoring debaters on clarity, rebuttals, and persuasiveness.
Providing constructive feedback for improvement.

6. Timekeeper

The time keeper manages the time spent by each speaker. The debaters are allocated specific time to speak. The timekeeper ensures that speakers follow time limits. Their
responsibilities include:

Keeping track of speaking times for each participant.
Giving warnings when time is almost up.
Ensuring fair distribution of time between teams.

7. Grammarian

One who notes grammar problems to work for them after debate. The grammarian focuses on language use and correct grammar during the debate.

Listens carefully to speakers and notes grammatical errors.
Observes the use of vocabulary, pronunciation, and sentence structure.
Provides feedback on grammar, clarity, and effective word choice.
Encourages correct and effective language use.
Sometimes presents a “Word of the Day” to enrich vocabulary.

8. Motion Mover

The motion mover is the first speaker who introduces and supports the debate topic (motion).

Introduces the motion (topic) and states the team’s position.
Presents the first main argument with supporting evidence.
Sets the tone for the debate and defines key terms.
Provides a strong opening statement to persuade the audience.

9. Audience

These are the people who listen to the main speakers while debating the motion. Sometimes few members of the audience can be given chance to speak either for or against the motion.

Note: The winner is the one who gets highest points. The floor (audience) may be involved in the debate, but they Will not be directly engaged in the discussion.

Activity.

Study the following picture. Then, answer the questions that follow:

Questions.

1. What are the students doing in the picture doing?

2. Have you ever taken part in a similar activity? What was it about?

3. Why are the notebooks useful in that activity?

4. Who are those sitting in front of the classroom?

5. Why do you think there are two sides in this activity?

6. Why do you think the activity is important to students?

** Conduct a debate on the motion “A single – party system is better than a multi – party system.”

Questions.

1. What was interesting about the debate

2. What did you learn from the debate?

EXERCISE

Organize yourself into a debating team, choose one topic from given topics below. Then, write down the vocabulary you have developed with their meanings and use five of them to make sentences (one for each).

Topics.

1. Participating in elections is important for national development.

2. Vodeo games are a source of moral destruction in the society.