Debating Skills

1. Debating Skills Citizenship Miss Atwell Friday 11th June 2010

2. Learning Objectives • To know the roles of individuals during a debate. • To understand the debate process. • To be able to identify the skills required in order to form an argument.

3. Key terms Chair - the person who controls the debate. Motion - the viewpoint that is argued for or against. Proposer - speaks in favour of the motion which, in many cases, they have written. Opposer - speaks against the motion after the proposer has made their speech. Seconders - two people who speak after the proposer and opposer, one for and one against the motion. Amendments - these are changes that may be suggested for the main motion to change its wording slightly. Amendments also require opposers and seconders. Abstain - if you don't vote either for or against the motion, you are said to abstain. This may be because you can't make up your mind or disagree with both opposing views. House - the name for the room where the debate has taken place and its members.

4. Debate • The chair opens the meeting, checks who is present and who is able to vote at the debate. • The proposer speaks in favour of the motion. The opposer speaks against the motion. • The seconder for the motion speaks first followed by the seconder against. • Now the chair declares the motion 'open to the floor'. Anyone in the audience may now speak, either for or against the motion, or for or against any amendment. In order to be heard, anyone who wishes to speak raises their hand and waits for permission from the chair.