YOUR VOICE
YOUR PLATFORM

Four teams compete in each debate, each with specific roles:

• Each speaker has 7 minutes to present their arguments
• The 1st and 7th minutes are protected time (no interruptions allowed)
• The middle 5 minutes are open for Points of Information (POIs)
• POIs must be concise (15 seconds max) and relevant to the speech
• Teams have 15 minutes to prepare their cases before the debate begins

• Teams must present a clear, logical case with well-structured arguments
• Each argument should include:
  • Claim: The main point being made
  • Reasoning: Why the claim is valid
  • Evidence: Examples, statistics, or analogies
• The Opening Government defines the motion, ensuring it is fair and debatable
• Closing teams must introduce new material distinct from Opening teams

• POIs are short questions or statements offered to the opposing team during their speech
• Can only be offered between the 1st and 6th minutes of a speech
• Must be relevant to the speaker's current argument
• Speaker may accept or decline POIs (but should accept at least 1)
• Effective POIs should:
  • Challenge the speaker's arguments
  • Highlight weaknesses in their case
  • Be phrased as questions or very short statements

• Speakers are scored on three categories:
  • Content: Quality of arguments, relevance, evidence
  • Style: Clarity, engagement, delivery
  • Strategy: Role fulfillment, teamwork, timing
• Team score is the sum of both speakers' scores
• Debates are judged by a panel of experienced adjudicators
• The Chair judge oversees procedure and provides feedback