PD
-- PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE
Named after the style of debate used in the British Parliament, Parliamentary Debate features clashes between two-person teams. The "Government" favors change, the "Opposition" does not. The order of speeches:
- Prime Minister Constructive 8 min.
- Leader of the Opposition Constructive 8 min.
- Member of the Government Constructive 8 min.
- Member of the Opposition Constructive 8 min.
- Leader of the Opposition Rebuttal 4 min.
- Prime Minister Rebuttal 4 min.
The judge is called the Speaker of the House. Often there is more than one judge, sometimes lay people (not involved in coaching debate), experts in various fields, or just "people from the street."
The topic, different each round, is announced to both teams 15 minutes before the debate is to begin; they have that much time to develop a case.
Rules forbid bringing written evidence into the round. The goal is to be reasonable and convincing using knowledge expected of a well-informed college student. Value is placed on being witty and entertaining, as well as reasoned. Audience responses are encouraged; hearing a point they like, they rap on the table. Speakers may interrupt each other with "Points of Information" (questions).
To be competitive in Parliamentary Debate, speakers must be strong in two areas:
- a wide general knowledge, and
- the theory and practice of argument and debate.
What you should expect to get out of this event:
- You will learn about reasoning, what makes an argument good or bad, and how arguments support cases.
- You will learn various ways to build convincing cases.
- You will learn how to respond to the arguments of others.
- You will learn how to structure information for clear and effective presentation.
- You will enjoy sharing your observations and insights with coaches and team members in practice, and with opponents and audiences in competition.
- You will learn greater control of your voice and body, making both more expressive.
- You will get better at thinking on your feet, practicing self-control and poise under pressure.
- You will learn to become a more careful listener.
- You will read more widely and perceptively, sorting and gathering material which you can use in your debates.
- You will develop your memory, learning to depend on it to provide you with information you need at the moment.
- You will learn to become a better observer of the world around you, staying alert for information and viewpoints that will make you a better thinker and speaker.
- You will better understand yourself, searching your own experience to help you find worthwhile things to say.
- You will learn a lot by watching excellent debaters.
Special features of this event in competition:
Though a relatively new event, PD is being offered at more and more nearby tournaments, so opportunities to compete are growing. The Bethany-hosted PLUM tournaments are an important factor in the growth of PD in the upper midwest. There may also be chances to demonstrate the event on campus. PD is now a Phi Rho Pi National Tournament event, so debaters who wish to be on the National Tournament Team can use PD as one of their qualifying events.
What you will do to be competitive in this event:
Initial preparation: about 6 weeks
- select the PD event
- discuss and practice topic analysis 1 week
- discuss and practice case construction 1 week
- discuss and practice argument presentation 1 week
- discuss and practice rebuttal 1 week
- practice rounds 2 weeks
- read, stay alert for useful material continuously
- study, discuss, and practice argument and debate theory continuously
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Most recent update 8 August 1998
Send comments or suggestions to tkuster@blc.edu