The goal of competitive debating is to persuade.

The Toronto Debating society follows parliamentary debate procedures. This means that we pretend we are in a house of commons where the side in favor of the motion is the “government.” The question at hand in a debate is a “motion” or “resolution.” For example, “be it resolved that Canadians should drive on the left.” We have also evolved our own set of rules and scoring criteria to suit our purposes.

The key to being persuasive is to present arguments that support a position and counter arguments that refute an opposing position. By itself, however, presenting well-reasoned arguments and counter arguments will not usually be enough to guarantee success. A debater’s speech must be well organized so that the debater makes good use of his or her time. The speech should also be delivered with confidence and flair. And finally, debaters on a team should show evidence of working together.

We don’t believe a single word we’re saying!

To debate effectively, you don’t have to take what you are saying about aparticular subject to heart – all you have to do is make convincing arguments about your proposition and persuade your audience that yourpoint of view is more sound than you opponent(s). In fact, a good challenge for all debaters is to take the side of an argument that you don’t actually believe in.

Debate format

With a few exceptions for special debate formats, the Toronto Debating Society uses the following format for our debates:

Prime Minister (7:00)

The PM announces the resolution, defines any terms which require interpretation and presents arguments – supported with evidence - to defend the position of the government.

Leader of the Opposition (7:00)

The LO provides the opposition philosophy, presents the opposition counter-thesis with supporting arguments and rebuts the PM’s arguments

Member of the Government (5:00)

The MG proves an overview and further develops the government position, attacks the opposition’s analysis of the government’s position, rebuts the arguments of the LO and introduces new arguments.

Member of the Opposition (5:00)

The MO reviews the opposition philosophy, attacks the government’s analysis of the opposition’s position, rebuts the arguments of the MG and introduces new arguments.

Opposition summation (2:00)

The LO lists the opposition’s arguments, addresses the main issues arising from the debate and restates the opposition counter-thesis. There will be no new arguments.

Government summation (2:00)

The PM concludes the debate by summarizing the round. The PM shall: list the government’s arguments, highlight dichotomies between the two sides and underscore the need to support the resolution. There will be no new arguments.

Debate guidelines

With a fine-tuned balance of fun and formality, the Toronto Debating Society fosters an environment of encouragement and support. Our formality is derived from guidelines which we adhere to during a debate.

Upon arriving at the podium, a debater should thank the speaker for the introduction and address the house. (The adjudicator should not be specifically addressed at any point.) Comments should be directed to the chair (or house) and not to the opposing debaters. Debaters must respect any instructions from the Speaker and they should respect the imposed time limit.

Banging on the table and heckling (defined as “an occasional single-word outburst; e.g. “source”, “shame”) are within the acceptable realm in the spirit of fun. If the outburst is well timed and comical, the adjudicator may even award points for comedy. Beyond this, the Speaker will get involved to put the debaters back in line and the adjudicator should also deduct points for rowdiness.

Speakers should remain behind the podium while delivering their presentation.

Electronic devices (e.g. to communicate or search the internet) are not permitted during a debate. This prohibition also applies before an “Impromptu Debate,” where advance research is specifically disallowed.

Props are not permitted.