For organizers
Bring people together around one question. Give speakers a fair format, guests a clear invitation, and everyone a reason to come back.
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The first evening
You do not need a tournament to bring a group together. Start with one matchup, a host who keeps time, and a short conversation afterward.
Write a resolution both sides can defend. Confirm a venue or online room, a start time, and a host.
Decide team sizes, speech order, timing, and how feedback will work. Keep a first meeting straightforward.
Publish the event details. Recruit speakers and judges, and tell newcomers how they can watch or participate.
Explain the rules before starting. Keep time, give specific feedback, and announce the next meeting before people leave.
Match the format to the group
A tested argument, a new skill, or a wider view of a question: choose the outcome before adding rounds and rules.
One resolution and an agreed speech sequence. A useful starting point for a recurring community night.
See a round structureSeveral matchups with a published progression. Plan enough judges, rooms, and time between rounds.
Compare debate formatsFocus on one skill, such as building a case or answering an objection. Give everyone a short exercise and feedback.
Find practice exercisesInvite several perspectives on a question. A moderator keeps the discussion focused and makes room for audience questions.
Choose a questionBefore sharing the invitation
Read the event page as someone arriving for the first time. Can they find the room, understand the format, and tell whether they are watching or speaking?
Give judges the criteria →Choose your next step
