This information reflects the Society's web site at the date you downloaded or printed it and you should check at www.lawscot.org.uk to see if it is still current.

DEBATING SKILLS

Introduction

We hope this section of the site provides information for those new to debating and those looking to develop their skills. It contains resources for individuals and teams, as well as for teachers considering starting a debating club and existing coaches.

Debating has several different key components and we provide a teaching pack for each area containing session plans and worksheets.  We also sent the DVD of the 2005/2006 final to every secondary school in Scotland, so that those thinking of debating could see a live example of how it all works.  This DVD is also used as part of the activites below - creating an integrated package to support debating in Scotland:

Back Cover                                   Front Cover

Once you have read the 'What does it involve' section of the website  you can download our learning materials to help develop debating skills:

A. Analysing a motion & identifying key issues
B. Researching a motion
C. Constructing cases and speeches
D. Delivering a speech
E. Putting it all together

We have also provided some examples of ‘great’ speeches (from the ‘Gettysburg Address’ through to ‘the lady’s not for turning’. These are used in the learning materials or can be accessed on their own:

F. Great Speeches


Each section provides a description of the skills required and activity sheets that can be used by pupils to practise together or by coaches in a debating club.

If you have any suggestions for extra activities then please e-mail us. If we like it we’ll create a new activity sheet and even put your name and the name of your school on it.

 

Simon Quinn’s Debate Handbook

Our website is primarily aimed at those just starting out in debating and building their confidence and experience. We also wanted to provide information of further help to those groups but which also would be useful for the most experienced of debaters in further pushing and expanding their knowledge and skills.

We have been given permission by Simon Quinn to link to his near-definitive guide to debating skills, tactics, and strategies. This provides a wealth of information on every aspect of debate, and although the format of the competitions which Simon refers to is slightly different to ours (SO PLEASE TAKE CARE – our Tournament Rules clearly set out our format) we could not find a better source of information on the general approach to debating.

This is also an invaluable resource for coaches, especially those new to coaching, as it gives insight into the detail of debating – allowing you to give the most possible help to your teams.

Simon Quinn is a hugely experienced debater from Brisbane who won the best individual speaker prize at both the 1999 and 2000 World Schools Championships and has gone on to coach teams, including the Queensland Schools Team in 2002. We would like to thank Simon for allowing us to link to his materials.

Click here to download the Debate Handbook