HOW TO DO WORLD’S STYLE DEBATE
Summary
World’s style is derived from academic style and has become a standard style used globally in international competition. No offensive or profane language may be used. Members can refer to each other by their names or their position and in the third person. General remarks are addressed to the Moderator and never directly to the another person. No heckling is permitted and Points of Order (rule infractions) and Points of Personal Privilege (personal insults, misrepresentations etc) are not be entertained except at the close of the debate. The special feature of this format is the Point of Information or POI. These are a huge contribution to the flow of the debate. In the first and last minutes of each speech, there can be no interruptions. In the intervening time, however, any speaker from the other side can raise a POI . This is done by standing in place and saying: “Point of information!” A POI may be a question of a brief statement and should be related to the topic although not necessarily to the speaker’s point or speech. Each speaker on the other side is expected to rise on 2 or more POI’s for each speaker. The speaker need not accept a POI they might accept it, refuse it, or defer the point until later. Each speaker is expected to take 3 or more POI’s during their speech. Example: Member of opposite side stands and says: “Point of information!” Speaker replies with “I will take that point” OR “I will not take that point” OR “I will take that point later” If a POI is accepted, it MUST be addressed. There are two teams of 3 to 4 people: The Affirmative has a 1st, 2nd and 3rd (and possibly 4th) Affirmative speaker. Their role is to introduce the Resolution, define the terms, and present their case/ plan. The Negative has a Opposition has 1st, 2nd and 3rd (and possibly 4th) Negative speaker. Their role is to rebut and refute the Affirmative case and points. After all the constructive speeches have been made, there are 2