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An Introduction to British Parliamentary Debating
Structure of Speeches
Speeches are seven minutes in length The first and last minute are Protected Time – no points of information can be made to you during them. Points of Information should be offered during the five minutes of unprotected time. Speeches should have Internal Structure. An example of ideal structure is - introduction - rebuttal of the previous speakers arguments - your first point - your second point - your third point - conclusion Try to separate your arguments into three main areas – such as social, political and economic. Remember to Signpost throughout your speech – i.e. say “this is my first point”, “now to move onto my second point”, “lastly, looking at my third point…” etc.
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The Motion Every round starts with a motion. A good motion is any moral imperative that has clear arguments in favour of it and against it. For example: · This House would cancel third-world debt. · THW legalise prostitution.
The eight debaters in a BP round are divided into two sides. Thus four people support the motion (Proposition) and the other four oppose it (Opposition). In most competitions, the four debaters on either side are divided into two-person teams (giving a total of four teams in one debate).
Opening Proposition Team FIRST SPEAKER Define the motion (see below). Outline the case his team will put forward and explain which speaker will deal with which arguments. Develop his own arguments, which should be separated into two or three main points. Finish by summarising his/her main points
Þ 1.
Þ 1. 2.
3.
4.
SECOND SPEAKER Re-cap the team line.
2. 3. 4. 5.
Rebut the response made by the first opposition speaker to his partner's speech. Rebut the first opposition speaker’s main arguments. Develop his own arguments – separated into two or three main points. Finish with a summary of the whole prop case.
Opening Opposition Team
Þ 1.
FIRST SPEAKER...