Asian Parliamentary

Debate: Demystified
By:
Deanne Mitzi Somollo
AB POL. SCI
BACHELOR OF LAWS
ORALIST, TEEHANKEE RULE OF LAW MOOT COURT COMPETITION
BEST DEBATER, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS
GRAND SLAM CHAMPION, POLITICAL DISCOURSE,POLITICAL SCIENCE
ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES
WHY DO WE DEBATE?
DO WE NEED DEBATE?
CAN WE “EAT” DEBATE?
Who are the teams?

GOVERNMENT LEADER OF THE

OPPOSITION
PRIME MINISTER
DEPUTY LEADER OF THE
DEPUTY PRIME OPPOSITION

GOVERNMENT WHIP OPPOSITION WHIP

What does it look like?
 A point of
 There are 2 teams per round,
with 3 members per side information lasts
(Government and Opposition) for a maximum of
 Each speech lasts for about 7
minutes, with the first and last 15 seconds
minute uninterrupted
 In the remaining 5 minutes,
 Motions are given
members from the opposing 30 minutes prior
teams can raise POINTS
OF INFORMATION to the debate
 Motion
• it is the proposition
• Motions
which the Government
must be
side is supposed to
defined by
defend
the Prime
Minister
• there are three types of – More on this
motions: later under
– Open motions Speaker
– Semi-closed motions Roles
– Closed motions
Definitions Unfair
definitions:
• How do you “define” a motion
properly? Bad or illegal definitions
are usually challenged
–Have a direct link to the motion
(more on this later)
–Be fair and debatable
EXAMPLES
–Identify the issues to be –Truisms
debated and the scope of the –Time/Place Sets
debate (criteria or standard)
–Include parameters when
necessary
EXAMPLE:

THB that OFW with HIV be prohibited from re-

entering the Philippines
Can the Opposition Challenge the Definition?
• If a definition provided by
the Prime Minister is
judged to be a truism, SOLUTION!
squirrel, time/place set, or •LO provides an
a tautology, a definitional alternative correct
challenge may be made definition which he
• ONLY the Leader of must propose
Opposition may initiate •Even-if arguments
and issue a definitional for both sides
challenge •No automatic wins
• If the LO doesn’t
challenge, NO ONE else
in the debate may do so
Team and Speaker Roles
PRIME MINISTER V. LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION
DEPUTY PRIME V. DEPUTY LEADER OF THE
OPPOSITION
Gov't whip v. Opposition whip
How do you become a good speaker?
Based on what you are expected to do

•Be alert
•Be attentive
•Stay updated on news and current affairs
Based on what you should do:
• Be clear
• Take your time
• Be firm but not too firm
• Modulation is important but do not shout.
 The content of the
speech.It is the
arguments a debater
uses to further his or
her case and
persuade the
audience
Matter Includes
arguments,
reasoning, and
examples
Includes positive
(substantive material)
and rebuttal
Includes points of
information
what is an argument?

• the reason why you support Why doesn't always mean

or oppose a motion HEART. Always remember
that debate is a battle of
• argument versus premise
logic.
 REBUTTAL
• All speakers, except the Prime Minister, are
expected to present rebuttal during their
speeches. There is however an alloted time
for rebuttal.

• Types of rebuttal:
– Error of fact
– Irrelevancy
– Illogical Argument
– Unacceptable Implications
– Little Weight
– Contradictions and Inconsistencies
 WHAT IS THE PROPER
REBUTTAL?
Most Important Meat of the Argument

Less important M.E.M.A.

M-Moral arguments
E-Economic arguments
M-Material Impact
arguments
A- Analogous argument

Other arguments with

Peripherals
little bearing
 POINT OF INFORMATION

• Keep it short: You just have

fifteen seconds!
• It is the discretion of the •Generally only two POI's are
person speaking whether to allowed do use it wisely.
recognize the point or not •Do not refuse to take a POI.
•Do not take up too much time (15s)
• Types of POIs: •POIs are leathal when you know
– Clarification
what to ask
– Question
– Direct rebuttal
– Introducing your argument
– Bringing back your argument
 MANNER

What you say

MATTERS

How you say it is

MANNER
There is no perfect debater.
However here are some pointers:
Speak Clearly
Avoid sounding like you are unsure
Maintain eye contact
Keep clear and efficient notes
Keep moderate gestures
 Method
• Can be divided into
individual method and
team method
• Individual method refers
to the organization of
your speech
• Team method refers to
the flow and consistency
of the arguments of the
two speakers in a team
• Individual method:
– Structure your speech
– Sign-posting
– Time management
• Team method:
– Allocate your arguments
properly
– If you are the first speaker,
give a team split
– If you are the second
speaker, refer to your
partner regularly
 Other matters

• Dress appropriately
• Keep clear of loud make-up
• Appear genuine
Practice Exercise