Impromptu Motion

  • Date 2022-07-21

General Definition: A motion given at a tournament before a designated round. After providing the motion, teams are moved to preparation areas and are given time to create cases before the debate.

  • Public Forum: Not used in PF, where all topics are prepped and announced prior to a tournament.
  • World Schools Debate: In WSD, competitors are given anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour to prepare their arguments. Typically, motions are provided with an info slide to clarify key components. Impromptu motions only allow the use of a dictionary and almanac- any other outside research will be penalized. Teams will only debate their assigned side of an impromptu motion.
  • British Parliamentary: In BP, competitors are given 15 minutes to prepare from the moment the motion is released. Most tournaments will provide info slides for impromptu motions. Impromptu motions only allow the use of a dictionary and almanac; additional materials may be allowed at the discretion of the tournament. Teams will only debate their assigned side of an impromptu motion.
  • Canadian National Debate Format: In CNDF, competitors are given 20 – 30 minutes to prepare. Most tournaments will provide info slides for impromptu motions. Impromptu motions only allow the use of a dictionary and almanac; additional materials may be allowed at the discretion of the tournament.