Participation

Are you interested in public speaking or debating? Members of the Toronto Debating Society enjoy refining their persuasive speaking skills and our guests enjoy watching our entertaining, lively and heated debates on a variety of topics. There is never a fee to attend!

In the past, we have explored debates in politics, medicine, religion and a wide variety of others.

Still interested? Here's what we suggest:

Step 1: Observe

Attend a debate as an observer.

Step 2: Speak Freestyle

Participate in our impromptu speaking session. All members and guests will be invited to speak for one minute on a predetermined topic. Speeches will not be evaluated.

Step 3: Debate as Government Supporter

Browse upcoming debate topics and sign up to be the Member of the Government.

(You will need to become a member as only members are allowed to sign up for debating positions.)

Generally the easiest of the four debating positions.
The government defines the resolution before the debate, thereby enabling some control as to which direction the debate takes.
Communicate with your partner to define the resolution. Plan the specific arguments that you and your partner will put forward. Plan for three distinct arguments for the Prime Minister and 2 - 3 for the seconder.
Be sure to find evidence to support each of your arguments.
During the Leader of the Opposition's speech, take notes and find one or two points of rebuttal
Make one or two comments in support of your partner
Finish by asking the audience to support your point of view

Listen carefully to the feedback and comments of the adjudicator after your debate. Discuss the debate with other members, all of whom can provide feedback and suggestions for improvement.

Step 4: Debate as Opposition Supporter

The MO is the last role to speak and therefore has the most time to prepare after the resolution has been publicly defined.
Before the debate starts, with your partner, consider what arguments the government might propose.
Prepare 2 -3 arguments to negate the stance of the government.
Listen carefully to the Member of the Government to prepare one or two points of rebuttal
Remember to find one or two points to support your partner

Step 5: Debate as Government Leader

The PM, with the Member of Government defines the resolution
Since this is the first role to speak, this is the one debater who can actually completely prepare prior to arriving for the debate
Remember that the PM speaks twice, once at the beginning to outline the governments strategy, and again at the end to summarize
With your partner, define the resolution
Prepare three main individual arguments to support the resolution. Ensure all three are unique
When speaking, first define the resolution then outline the three arguments and expand on them. Be sure your arguments are supported by evidence.
DO NOT RUN OUT OF TIME
Finish by asking the audience to support your motion
Listen carefully to the Opposition members to prepare your two minute summary for the end of the debate
Listen carefully to the feedback of the adjudicator
Discuss your performance with other members and solicit feedback

Step 6: Debate as Opposition Leader

This is arguably the most difficult of the four positions, and thus the last to tackle.
Prepare with your partner for what you expect the government to present as a definition. Since this is a bit of an unknown factor, be prepared to "change horses in mid stream" if the definition does not meet your expectations.
Listen carefully to the PM and get the definition copied down clearly
Pick out the PM's three arguments and try to come up with a rebuttal for each
When you speak, rebut the PM first and then state your arguments
Ask the house to support your position
Listen carefully to the other speakers and prepare your two minute summary
Do not introduce new information into your summary

Step 7: Repeat!

Try an impromptu debate, sign up to be the speaker or even adjudicate a debate!