This document provides information about how to structure and participate in a debate. It outlines the format which includes three rounds with openings speeches and rebuttals from both sides. Key aspects emphasized are using evidence to support arguments, avoiding personal attacks, and being open to changing one's view. The debate process, from preparing arguments to delivering speeches and rebuttals, is broken down step-by-step. Tips are provided such as evenly distributing time among points and sources. An example debate proposition is given at the end regarding relocating a regular meeting venue.

1. Debate
Pioneer Christmas Party 2014

2. Debate
A regulated discussion of a proposition
between two matched sides (government
& opposition)

3. Benefits
critical thinking
effective communication
evidence based argumentation
teamwork
fun

4. Structure
Proposition
Government versus Opposition
Arguments and Rebuttal
2 * 7 mins speeches
2 * 5 mins speeches
2 * 2 mins sum up

5. Round 1
Leader of the government (7 mins)
define important words in the
resolution
present supporting arguments
cite supporting evidence
Opposition leader (7 mins)
rebut government points
introduce counter-arguments with
supporting evidence

6. Round 2
Government leader: (5 mins)
Rebut opposition points
Supplement government points
Opposition leader 5 mins
Rebut government points
Supplement opposition points

7. Round 3
Opposition Leader (2 mins)
Sum up case
No new arguments!
Government Leader (2 mins)
Sum up case
No new arguments!

9. Important!
Avoid emotional attachment
No personal attack
If you always want to be right, be prepared to
change your view!

10. Arguments
argument (signpost) > reason > support
I think ..> because.. > for example.. / according to ..
supporting materials
examples, statistics, expert opinions
citing supporting materials
direct quotation, summary, sources

11. Constructive speech
a) Introduction
Hello, today’s resolution is..
We define.. as
We are in favor of the resolution
We will give 3 arguments why the resolution should pass: a, b, c
b) Body
Reason a > because > according to..’ ’
Reason b > because > according to..’ ’
Reason c > because > according to..’ ’
c) Conclusion
Today we gave 3 arguments to support the resolution: a, b, c
We therefore urge you to support the resolution

12. Listen to arguments
Accept / Reject / Suspend
Information Prove / False / Doubtful / Irrelevant
main argument a | prove, accept
main argument b | irrelevant, reject -
thought
main argument c | doubtful, suspend -
thought

13. Prepare your rebuttal
List of arguments
I am going to prove that..
Prove it (this is why..)
Conclusion

14. Leader of the opposition
a) Introduction
Hello, the government made the following proposition ..
You should vote against the proposition because...
The government gives 3 arguments: a, b, c
b) Body
Rebuttal
We also want...
We agree with arguments a, b but..
Regarding argument c > what they are not telling you.., failed to mention.., etc
New arguments
Reason a > because > according to..’ ’
c) Conclusion
We showed that the arguments of the government do not hold
Furthermore we showed.. We therefore urge you to deny the resolution
Vote against the proposal!

15. Seconders
Rebutt
New arguments

16. Closing arguments
Repeat your arguments and rebuttals
No new arguments!
Appeal to follow your position

17. Time
round 1: 5m green, 6m yellow, 7m red
round 2: 3m green, 4m yellow, 5m red
round 3: 1m green, 1:30m yellow, 2 m red

18. Program
Presentation: 15 mins
Prepare round 1: 15 mins
Presentation 1: 10 mins
Prepare rebuttal: 10 mins
Rebut: 10 mins
Prepare round 2: 15 mins
Presentation 2: 7 mins
Prepare rebuttal: 10 mins
Rebut: 7 mins
Prepare closing: 10 mins
Closing: 10 mins
Result: 5 mins

19. Tips
Share time evenly among your arguments
Distribute arguments evenly among speakers
Quote sources of information

20. Excercise
There are not enough suitable restaurants for a
nijikai near Aoyama Learning Center, therefore
Pioneer should hold its regular meetings in
Shibuya from 2015 onwards