Debate Format

The Toronto Debating society follows parliamentary debate procedures.

Prime Minister

7 minutes
Announce resolution and define terms
Give clear and precise case statement.
Support case with several independent arguments.

Leader of the Opposition

7 minutes
Provide opposition philosophy
Announce opposition countercase
Introduce independent analysis
Rebut PMC arguments

Member of the Government

5 minutes
Provide overviews
Attack Opposition independent analysis
Rebuild/review Government case
Introduce new arguments

Member of the Opposition

5 minutes
Review Opposition philosophy
Introduce new points and analysis
Cover main issues
Counter Member of Government

Leader of Opposition

2 minutes
Address main issues, add NO NEW ARGUMENTS
Crystallize with new examples
Provide dichotomies
Conclusion

Prime Minister

2 minutes
Summarize Round, add NO NEW ARGUMENTS
Address crucial issues
Crystallize with new examples
Provide dichotomies
Conclusion

Points of information (POI)

Points of information are a dynamic and enjoyable part of parliamentary debate. A point of information is a brief rejoinder (fifteen seconds or less) to the point then being made by the person speaking. It may be a concise statement or a pointed question.

Points of information are an integral part of parliamentary debating A speaker who declines to accept any points may seem to fear the opponents arguments. On the other hand, a speaker who accepts too many points of information loses control of his or her speech. Usually, a constructive speaker will accept two or three points of information. Accepting them when offered shows that you are confident of your arguments and prepared to defend them.

To make a Point of Information; the member wishing to make the POI stands. The member speaking can either (1) Accept by acknowledging the member, (2) Defer by saying "wait a moment please", (3) Reject the POI by saying "no thank you" or wave them down. If the member speaking accepts the POI they should answer immediately and continue with their speech.