JSA DEBATE PROCEDURE
- The moderator will call the debate to order, read the resolution, introduce the speakers, and appoint a timekeeper
- The proponency will give a six minute opening speech.
- The opponency will give a six minute opening speech
- The moderator will open the floor to subsequent speeches
- Motion to previous question
- The opponency will give a three minute closing speech
- The proponency will give a three minute closing speech
- The moderator will read the resolution again
- Vote on the resolution
HOW QUESTIONS WORK
- All questions must be in the form of a question, NOT a statement (Phrases like “are you aware that…?” are okay to turn statements into questions)
- NO FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS.
- You can either ask the speaker to yield to a two-part question before you ask it or raise your hand again.
- If your question becomes too long, the moderator may cut you off or ask you to condense your question
HOW SUBSEQUENTS WORK
- Subsequent speeches are three minutes long and come after the opening speeches
- Anybody in the audience may raise their hand to subsequent
- Subsequents alternate sides, starting with the proponency
- If you run out of time in your subsequent, you can only finish your sentence.
- If you have extra time, you can either yield your time to:
- The Chair: The rest of your time is absorbed and you can sit down
- Questions: You can take questions from the audience
- Another Subsequent: If you have significant time remaining and do not wish to answer questions, it's a good idea to yield to another speaker, especially during an intense or popular debate