A short preparation debate is a type of debate in which two teams are given a topic upon arrival and must prepare presentations within a time limit. Discussion teams generally have 30 to 90 minutes to prepare their speeches. In most cases, teams have 60 minutes to prepare. Short preparation discussions are similar to traditional discussions in terms of strategy and execution. The main difference is that there is a time limit for preparation.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Develop a Team Argument
Step 1. Appoint a team leader
The team leader will make the final decision about definitions or arguments in case there is a disagreement in the group. You will also keep track of time to ensure preparation progresses efficiently.
This method requires you to first work alone, discuss as a group, and then work independently again. Determine if this is the appropriate method for the team and the topic
Step 2. Discuss the issue or resolution (in five minutes)
Brainstorm individually regarding the development of the team's argument.
- If the topic is "Should abortion be legal?" They can start by listing reasons for both sides of the argument. Think about what the smartest people would say about it.
- Remember to focus on how your side will approach the presentation of compelling arguments and counterarguments.
Step 3. Discuss the topic (in 15 minutes)
Discuss brainstorming as a team. Come to an agreement on how you will interpret the topic, how you will discuss the general case, and what kind of research you will include.
- Both teams must prepare a definition of abortion that is precise. Remember not to come up with a definition that misleads the other team or restricts the discussion to a specific time or place.
- Determine the focus you want to give to the argument. They may want to focus on women's rights or family values. Regardless of the focus, remember that you will have to assign specific arguments for each speaker.
Step 4. Prepare the speeches individually (in 15 minutes)
The first and second speakers should start by preparing interesting speeches. Statements should be supported by research where possible.
- Pro-team speakers can develop consistent arguments for abortion that are buttressed by historical facts. For example: "Abortion must be legal because the United States Supreme Court declared it a fundamental right after the Roe v. Wade case."
- The team against it can present moral arguments such as "Abortion should not be legal because it is homicide and the fetus feels pain during the procedure."
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Third speakers should take this time to critically observe the case. They must determine the weakness that the other team can find in their arguments. Prepare to defend your point accordingly.
- The team in favor may consider that some Supreme Court justices believe that the Roe v. Wade case should be dropped.
- The team against it can argue that a fetus is not considered a legal person, since they cannot survive outside the womb.
Step 5. Discuss your speeches (in 10 minutes)
As a group, discuss your points and any new ideas that come up in the writing process. Clarify how the new idea can fit into the arguments of the first or second speaker.
- All speakers should share their main arguments. The other team members should mention the flaws and how they can fix them.
- For example, someone may recall that some religious organizations support women's right to reproductive choice. This may be an important point for both sides to consider.
Step 6. Make final reviews (in 15 minutes)
Use the last few minutes to organize your argument outline and your main arguments.
Clarify how the second or third speaker will respond to any challenges that run counter to your main points
Method 2 of 2: Use individual ideas to prepare an argument
Step 1. Appoint a team leader
The team leader will make the final decisions about definitions or arguments in case there is a disagreement in the group. You will also keep track of time to ensure preparation progresses efficiently.
This method requires everyone to develop a full argument and to collaborate later. Determine if this method is appropriate for the team and the given topic
Step 2. Brainstorm individually (in 10 minutes)
Each team member should quickly sketch the entire argument. This way, everyone will contribute ideas and no one will master the initial reasoning process.
- Use this time to create definitions or to look up facts.
- If time allows, make a list of arguments and counterarguments.
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For example, if the topic is abortion, start with a definition for abortion that is clear. Create a general argument and make a list of the main arguments that you think the team should use.
- They can center a general argument for abortion in the life of the pregnant woman. The first speaker can talk about reproductive rights and women's autonomy.
- The second speaker can cite facts about the financial difficulties of unwanted pregnancies and highlight that women who are denied abortion can suffer from psychological problems.
- The third speaker can defend possible arguments to the contrary by focusing on historical cases, legal definitions of people, and medical advances.
Step 3. Share your argument (in 10 minutes)
Each team member should now share the outline from step one. The other team members should listen carefully and write down what is said.
The time to share the argument should be brief, since you can go into the details later
Step 4. Develop the team's argument (in 20 minutes)
Start with a blank piece of paper and work out your argument together. The brainstorming ideas of each team member will likely be included. Outline all elements of the argument, including the driving points for each speaker.
The goal here is to build all the arguments as a team. Do not assign tasks to individual speakers
Step 5. Write your speeches (in 10 minutes)
Use teamwork to individually write the speech. Remember to include parts that are specific to your roles in the speech. These parts may include introductions, definitions, and argument defenses.
Step 6. Add the finishing touches (in 10 minutes)
Get together as a team and have each speaker summarize their speech. Remember to mention any potential weaknesses in your arguments and discuss how you will address yourself.
- At this point, the team should make sure that everyone understands the path the argumentation will take. It can be helpful to highlight the goals and strategies that will be used during the discussion.
- Because development is primarily a group effort, argumentation can evolve rapidly. An individual team member may have initially focused an abortion argument on the rights of the mother, but the final group's focus may be on developing healthy families.
Advice
- An hour may seem like a short time, but don't rush the planning process. You shouldn't rush through the important steps to make a consistent argument.
- Don't get stuck in "analysis paralysis" (which is when you spend a lot of time editing your ideas), as you will never finish doing anything. Write first, edit later.
- Practice another short prep debate before the event. Once you get familiar with the format and the stress, it will get a lot easier.
- Wear a watch and keep a timer while you get ready with your group.