A practical guide
Start with what you want to practice. Compare solo and team formats, preparation, and ways to reach a decision.
These introductions cover common school formats and the British Parliamentary model. Each format can be taught in a practice group; formal competitions set their own participation rules.
Investigate a policy in depth
Work with a partner to defend a proposal, test its evidence, and compare its consequences with the alternatives.
Defend a position on your own
Take responsibility for the whole case: explain your position, challenge the opposing argument, and give the judge a reason to prefer your conclusion.
Explain a public issue with a partner
Build an evidence-supported position together and make it understandable to someone hearing the issue for the first time.
Build a case under time pressure
British Parliamentary puts four teams in one room. Your team must contribute a distinct argument while responding to a debate that develops around you.
Two sides build cases, question each other, and respond through constructive speeches, cross-examination, and rebuttals. Hosts set team sizes, preparation, timings, and judging criteria.
Follow the roundOrganizer rules vary. Open to Debate’s version measures the change in audience support through votes before and after the debate. The side gaining more support wins.
Read the audience-vote modelUse a statement that both sides can reasonably defend. Clarify the terms and when speakers will receive it.
Name the speakers, questioning roles, and judge or moderator. Publish speech lengths, preparation time, and permitted sources.
Choose a ballot or audience-vote method and explain it beforehand. Leave time afterward for useful, specific feedback.
Start with your purpose and available time. Decide whether people will prepare sources, how many will speak, and how you will give feedback. Choose a simple sequence, publish the instructions, and try one practice round before adding competition.
Plan a club sessionNo. A format describes how a debate works. Eligibility, fees, age limits, and speaking invitations are set by the organizer or league. Check the specific event rather than assuming all events using a format share those requirements.
Rules vary by organizer. Open to Debate’s version compares audience votes before and after the debate and awards the win to the side with the greater increase in support. Confirm how your event handles votes or judging.
Compare audience voting with judging