Warwick University Debating Society

1. Warwick University Debating Society Sponsored by:

2. Offers training in all things debating related What does the Society do? • Competes at both national and international level • Facilitates and Chairs debates amongst other societies and special interest groups • Runs tournaments throughout the year • Provides a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere for people to meet Sponsored by:

3. Every Wednesday & Friday at 4 till 6 in Social Studies When does the society meet? • We send people to tournaments run by other institutions most weekends (Called “IVs”) • We run around 3 or 4 major socials each term • We host show debates on a semi-regular basis Sponsored by:

4. Week 1 – Friday – Introductory Session Week 2 – Wednesday – How to Debate in Full - Friday – Training Session Week 3 – Wednesday – Show Debate followed by Social - Friday – Training Session - Saturday – Nottingham Novice Cup Week 4 – Wednesday – Publicised Show Debate - Friday – Training Session Week 5 – Wednesday – Training Session - Friday – Normal Session followed by Social Fresher Schedule for Next few Weeks Sponsored by:

5. In a standard session, we split off into groups dependent on debating experience What happens in a session? • Each group then has a small training session, followed by splitting off into smaller 8 person rooms to debate • After the debate, the judges provide feedback and the issue can be discussed more casually Sponsored by:

6. What’s happening in THIS session? • Starter Game • Explanation of actual Debating • Mini - Debates Sponsored by:

7. Split into groups of 12 Starter Game • Split into two lines of 6 • A judge then describes an ethical dilemma, and assigns a solution that each side must argue for • Each person has 20 seconds to convince the judge their side is right Sponsored by:

8. In this society we follow a style of debating called “British Parliamentary” Ok, so what is a “debate”? • In this sense, a debate is a game with set structures and rules. • We debate in teams of two people, with each “debate” comprising of 4 teams. • Each team is assigned a specific position in the debate from which they must argue the view point assigned to them and fulfil certain positional roles. • A motion (what we are debating) is then announced, and teams have 15 minutes to prepare material to use during the debate. Sponsored by:

9. Each individual within the debate then takes it in turns to deliver a five minute speech in support of their side. Ok, so what is a “debate”? • During speeches the opposing team may offer points of information (short points to take down any arguments they’re making) • However, the person speaking has control of the floor during a debate • The judges then decide what has been done well and what has been done badly within the debate, and in competitions, rank each team 1st to 4th. Sponsored by:

10. Table Diagram 1st Opp 1st Prop 2nd Prop 2nd Opp Sponsored by:

11. You’re all first timers – Don’t panic! Five Minute Speeches!? 15 Minutes Prep Time!? Aaaaah! • Everyone here started out struggling, but it’s easy to pick up • Fresher training takes place on Wednesdays and will cover everything you need to know about debating • If you miss a session, or want to go over anything, then the resources used will be on the website • Talk to us, we’re here to help! Sponsored by:

12. Split into groups of 8 – which will then turn into 4 teams of two Mini - Debates • You will have 15 minutes to prepare material on the topic – aim to think of two points each that you can discuss in your speech • Speeches will be UP TO 3 minutes in length – POI’s may be offered for the middle 2 minutes Sponsored by:

13. The Motion THW Legalise All Drugs (The government will license people and shops to sell drugs to those over 18 – in exactly the way that they do with alcohol) Sponsored by: