Public debate can take many forms and serve diverse purposes depending on the context and participants involved. Although some debates are contentious, they also provide valuable opportunities for communication, education and problem-solving when approached with a cooperative mindset. Moreover, the image a debate creates of particular viewpoints might impact how the issues are perceived by society at large.
Participants in a public debate can include experts or authorities in the field of the debate, politicians and other members of the community who have an interest or stake in the issue, activists, journalists and academics. In addition, the organization staging the debate may select participants using pre-established objective criteria. For example, an organization that stages a primary election debate may restrict participation to those seeking the nomination of one party.
Debate rules and guidelines vary widely. A general set of rules might include the following:
The first speaker for each team presents 2-4 arguments in support or against their resolution. The second speaker for each team then gives a rebuttal speech that responds to the key points of their opponent’s argument. The final focus, given by the second speakers, is 2 minutes and allows each speaker to make a final attempt to persuade the judges of their side’s case.
If there is a sufficient number of students participating in the debate, it can be beneficial to give each student a chance to write their argument. Alternatively, the teacher might use a model and give students an opportunity to read from prepared notes. To help students understand the format of a debate, post on the board or give as a handout the Organizing a Debate: Guidelines graphic included in this lesson plan.
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