Debating Handbook

Debating is all about the art of persuasion.  If you are new to debating or curious about joining, you can use this online handbook to gain an overview of the basics of debating. Additional information on various debating-related topics can also be found on the slides on the Debating Training Sessions page.

The online handbook covers the following subjects:

• The Basics
• Scoring
• Speaker Roles
• Manner
• Matter
• Method
• Definitions
• Empirical and Model Debates
• Rebuttal
• Secret and Advised Topics
• First Principles

Public Speaking Handbook

Public speaking is about engaging and convincing your audience. Every competition will have its own unique focus, rules and quirks, but there are also some things that most good speeches will have in common. While there is a lot of overlap with debating, the structure and style of your speech will be quite different. This handbook is designed to provide some advice and skills that you can be using with public speaking generally.

The online handbook covers the following subjects:

• The Elements of Good Delivery
• Hooking your Audience
• Impromptu Speaking