Debate Style
Styles of Debate
RULES OF THE WALES SCHOOLS DEBATING CHAMPIONSHIPS / SCHOOLS MACE
Format
The format for debate is 2 speakers per team, a chairperson and timekeeper. The chairperson and timekeeper should be seated between the two teams. Speakers should be provided with a table and chairs, but must stand when delivering their speeches or Points of Information. A lectern is optional, but no public address system should be used.
Timing
Each speaker is allowed 7 minutes for his or her main speech. A further 4 minutes will be allowed in which either team member will sum up. The timekeeper will signal after one minute has elapsed and one minute before the end of the main speeches. Between these signals, Points of Information can be offered. The first summation shall be taken by the opposition.
A double signal after 7 minutes shall indicate the end of a speech. A 30 second grace period is then allowed to each speaker in which to conclude their presentation. At the end of the grace period, a triple signal will indicate that the speaker must stop speaking immediately.
Points of Information
Points of Information arise when a member of the opposing team wishes to give or request information relevant to something the speaker on the floor has said. Such points must be made between the first and last minute of the main speeches. No Points of Information can be offered during the summations.
Eligibility
Each Welsh school or college may send only one team as its representative, unless invited by the organisers to send an additional team so as to ensure an even number of teams in the competition.
a. A member of a school’s or college’s team must be:
i A full-time student at that school or college ii Not older than 19 years of age on 1st February following the debate
b. A team may have up to 3 members - 2 speakers plus a reserve, although the speakers may not be interchanged between rounds without agreement from
RULES OF THE WALES SCHOOLS DEBATING CHAMPIONSHIPS / SCHOOLS MACE
Format
The format for debate is 2 speakers per team, a chairperson and timekeeper. The chairperson and timekeeper should be seated between the two teams. Speakers should be provided with a table and chairs, but must stand when delivering their speeches or Points of Information. A lectern is optional, but no public address system should be used.
Timing
Each speaker is allowed 7 minutes for his or her main speech. A further 4 minutes will be allowed in which either team member will sum up. The timekeeper will signal after one minute has elapsed and one minute before the end of the main speeches. Between these signals, Points of Information can be offered. The first summation shall be taken by the opposition.
A double signal after 7 minutes shall indicate the end of a speech. A 30 second grace period is then allowed to each speaker in which to conclude their presentation. At the end of the grace period, a triple signal will indicate that the speaker must stop speaking immediately.
Points of Information
Points of Information arise when a member of the opposing team wishes to give or request information relevant to something the speaker on the floor has said. Such points must be made between the first and last minute of the main speeches. No Points of Information can be offered during the summations.
Eligibility
Each Welsh school or college may send only one team as its representative, unless invited by the organisers to send an additional team so as to ensure an even number of teams in the competition.
a. A member of a school’s or college’s team must be:
i A full-time student at that school or college ii Not older than 19 years of age on 1st February following the debate
b. A team may have up to 3 members - 2 speakers plus a reserve, although the speakers may not be interchanged between rounds without agreement from