How we compare
Two answers to the same conviction: that civil, structured argument makes public life better. Open to Debate produces world-class debates you can hear. SuperDebate runs debate nights you can join.
Deep respect
Formerly Intelligence Squared U.S., Open to Debate has spent nearly two decades proving that Americans will listen to serious, civil disagreement, and built the gold standard for produced debate.
Their stages host leading experts, journalists, and public figures arguing sharply framed motions with real preparation.
Its Oxford-style voting method compares support before and after a debate. Under that method, the side gaining more support wins. Check the episode or event for the format being used.
Its online catalogue lets audiences explore opposing views on public questions beyond a single live event.
The same seriousness, at a table you can sit at.
What we build
A SuperDebate is a structured argument with assigned sides and equal time. Some events use judges or audience ballots; others focus on the exchange and feedback.
Side by side
| Criterion | Open to Debate | SuperDebate |
|---|---|---|
| Who debates | Invited experts and public figures, prepared for a produced event. | Club members and event participants, with speaking places and preparation specified by the organizer. |
| The format | Oxford-style: a sharply framed motion, prepared sides, moderated rounds, audience votes before and after. | Structured rounds with equal speaking time. The organizer chooses the format and whether judging or audience voting is included. |
| Where it happens | Produced events and published programmes; consult its current catalogue and event schedule. | Local venues listed on confirmed events, plus online rooms for arranging a debate. |
| Your role | Listener or viewer, with live audience participation governed by the event. | Debater, judge, or audience member, depending on the roles available at your event. |
| What repeats | A new produced debate on a new question, on their calendar. | Club meetings and events on the published calendar. Frequency and competitive opportunities depend on the organizer. |
Read the organizations’ own descriptions. Formats and participation requirements can change; check the specific event before making plans.
An honest answer
You want the strongest version of both sides of a hard public question, argued by people who have spent their careers on it. Their catalog is a masterclass.
You want the skills, and the night out. Listening teaches you what a good argument sounds like; a scored round teaches you to make one.
Common questions
We share the DNA: a real question, two prepared sides, and an audience verdict. SuperDebate offers configurable rounds and a club structure. The standard format includes cross-examination; judged events can add a scored ballot. Consult the event rules for team size and voting.
The topics are questions people already argue about, sides are assigned at the event, and you get a prep window before you speak. The format carries you; expertise grows with reps.
Public recordings can be watched when the organizer has recorded and published them. Live online rooms may include audience participation, depending on access and event settings. Not every round is recorded or open to spectators.
No. We admire their work; the missions rhyme. They produce debates for a national audience. We build the local league where anyone can practice the same craft.
Find a club or event that fits your goals. Check the listing for speaking places, audience participation, preparation, and registration details.
Keep exploring: Oxford-style debate vs SuperDebate, Jubilee vs SuperDebate, Toastmasters vs SuperDebate.
