Types of Debates

Debating is a structured way to explore ideas, present arguments, respond to opponents, and consider different perspectives. There are various formats, each with its own rules, history, and style.

1. Parliamentary Debate Parliamentary debates are inspired by real-world parliaments and are widely used in schools, universities, and competitions. Teams are divided into the "government" (proposing the motion) and the "opposition" (challenging the motion). Participants deliver speeches, respond to the opposing team, and defend their points.

   • English Parliamentary Style (UK): This format is based on the procedures of the UK Parliament and usually involves two-person teams. Debaters follow a structured speaking order, including opening speeches, rebuttals, and closing statements. A key feature is the use of Points of Information (POIs), allowing brief interjections by the opposing team to challenge statements or ask questions, adding spontaneity and interaction. This style develops quick thinking, strategic planning, clarity, logical reasoning, and effective delivery.

   • Australian Parliamentary Style: Typically involves three-member teams on each side. It emphasizes teamwork, with each member assigned specific roles such as presenting arguments, providing rebuttals, or summarizing points. Debates often involve topical motions based on current events, requiring participants to stay informed and think critically. Structured speeches, timed turns, and interjections encourage fast thinking, effective communication, and strategic responses. This format is popular in international competitions and educational settings.

   • World Schools Debating Championships (WSDC) Style: WSDC combines elements of British and Australian styles, using three-member teams. Debates include both prepared motions (researched in advance) and impromptu motions (requiring rapid responses). This style develops research skills, spontaneous thinking, teamwork, and persuasive communication, and focuses on global issues and analytical reasoning.

History & Procedure: Parliamentary debating originated in the UK in the 18th century as a way to practice political argumentation and public speaking. Typical procedures include opening speeches, rebuttals, and sometimes Points of Information, simulating real parliamentary debate.

2. Lincoln-Douglas Debate Named after Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas, this one-on-one format focuses on values, ethics, and philosophical issues rather than policy. Participants build logical arguments, anticipate counterpoints, and persuade judges or the audience through well-structured speeches. This style emphasizes critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and rhetorical skill.

3. Policy Debate Policy debates involve two-person teams arguing for or against a specific proposal or policy. Participants rely heavily on research, data, and examples to support their claims. Speeches cover the advantages, disadvantages, and impacts of the proposed policy, along with refutations of the opposing team. This format develops analytical thinking, teamwork, and the ability to construct complex arguments, and is widely used in high school and university tournaments.

4. Public Forum Debate Public Forum (PF) debates are designed to be accessible to a general audience. Two-member teams discuss current or controversial topics in a clear, concise manner. The format emphasizes teamwork, audience engagement, and straightforward presentation while requiring participants to provide evidence and respond to challenges effectively. PF debates are common in schools and community competitions due to their balance of preparation and approachability.

5. Mock Trial Mock trials simulate courtroom proceedings and are used in law schools and some high school tournaments. Participants take on roles such as lawyers, witnesses, and judges, presenting scenario-based cases with arguments, cross-examinations, and evidence. This format combines debating, legal reasoning, and public speaking skills, helping participants organize arguments, question witnesses, and present persuasive cases.

6. Cross-Examination Debate In cross-examination debates, participants first present their arguments and then directly question their opponents in a structured cross-examination session. This format develops quick thinking, critical reasoning, adaptability, and the ability to strategically dismantle opposing arguments. Speeches are timed, and participants work individually or in pairs to respond effectively under pressure.

References and Further Reading

https://www.oxfordscholastica.com/blog/politics-articles/what-is-british-parliamentary-style-debate/#:~:text=around%20the%20world.-,How%20Does%20British%20Parliamentary%20Style%20Debating%20Work%3F,of%20which%20have%20two%20speakers. 

https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/australian-parliamentary-debate/254007928 

https://www.esu.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Introduction-to-World-Schools-format-guide.pdf 

https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/21w-747-classical-rhetoric-and-modern-political-discourse-fall-2009/d8c6282f56995c436e5530b57826d940_MIT21W_747_01F09_study13.pdf 

https://www.debatedrills.com/lincoln-douglas/debate-format 

https://www.speechanddebate.org/wp-content/uploads/MS-Policy-Guide.pdf 

https://debateus.org/the-basic-structure-of-policy-debate-2/ 

https://empiremocktrial.org/format 

https://debate-nb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Cross-Examination-Style-Debating-Two-Person-Teams.pdf