General Definition: A form of nonverbal communication that involves looking at members of the audience while speaking. Good eye contact demonstrates that the speaker is confident and enthusiastic. Public Forum: see general definition. World Schools Debate: see general definition. British Parliamentary: see general definition. Canadian National Debate Format: see general …
General Definition: The fourth speech in a PF debate round lasting two minutes, used to summarize key arguments and weigh the debate, explaining why one team should win over the other. Public Forum: see general definition. World Schools Debate: Not used in WSD, where the final speech is called “Reply” instead. …
General Definition: A judge with significant experience in debate, either as a former debater or coach. These judges will typically vote based on a detailed “Flow” of the debate and default less on stylistic or argument preferences, although debaters should always ask a judge their preferences before a round (see …
General Definition: A method for taking notes during a debate to accurately record the most important arguments and points of clash. Typically, speeches are flowed side-by-side to track how an argument develops over the course of a debate. Also referred to as a game board. Public Forum: see general definition. …
General Definition: A “lens” by which the judge should view the round or priorize certain impacts over others. Typically, debaters default to a simple “Cost-Benefit Analysis” that compares the advantages and disadvantages of a position, but a more strategic framework will prioritize impacts that are easier for one side of …
General Definition: A form of nonverbal communication that uses one’s hands while speaking to provide emphasis and enhance persuasiveness. Public Forum: see general definition. World Schools Debate: Commonly used. In WSD, gestures are also used to manage POIs. For example, if you are offered a POI, you may simply wave them …
General Definition: The ideal number of POIs to take in any given speech. Public Forum: Not used in PF, where “Crossfire” and “Grand Crossfire” are used to ask questions instead. World Schools Debate: In WSD, the Golden Rule of POIs is to take two. A speaker should take one early in their …
General Definition: The second speaker for the closing government in a British Parliamentary (BP) debate. GW is a five-minute speech. Public Forum: Not used in PF. World Schools Debate: Not used in WSD. British Parliamentary: see general definition. Canadian National Debate Format: Not used in CNDF.
General Definition: The side supporting the motion or resolution in a debate. Public Forum: Not a common phrase in PF, where “Pro” or “Affirmative” are used instead. World Schools Debate: While government is sometimes used in WSD, “Proposition” is the more common term for the side supporting the motion. British Parliamentary: see …
General Definition: Additional time at the end of a speech, typically 15 seconds, for a debater to complete their concluding remarks. Public Forum:Not allowed in PF; debaters are expected to complete their speeches within the “Time Limit“. World Schools Debate: See general definition. British Parliamentary:See general definition. Canadian National Debate …
General Definition: A three-minute questioning period after the third (summary) speeches when all four debaters take turns asking each other questions. Traditionally, the team that spoke first may ask the first question. Public Forum: see general definition. World Schools Debate:Not used in WSD, where “Points of Information” are offered instead. …
General Definition: A method of evaluating an argument by considering what might happen in an imagined scenario. Public Forum: see general definition. World Schools Debate: see general definition. British Parliamentary: see general definition. Canadian National Debate Format:see general definition.