Procedure for Debate

Speaking

• Debate on each legislation starts with a speech introducing it to the chamber, called an “authorship” if it’s delivered by the student or school who wrote it, or “sponsorship” if delivered by a student from a different school (students present from the authoring school may decline the privilege of authorship). This first speech on each legislation is followed by a two-minute questioning period. Questions and answers are timed continuously (the clock does not stop) once the first questioner is recognized.
• Affirmative and Negative Speeches → After the introductory speech for each legislation, students deliver alternating negative and affirmative speeches. Each of these speeches allows a maximum of three minutes, and up to a minute of questioning. If a speech is particularly controversial, a member may move to suspend the rules to extend questioning for an individual speaker, but this should be done judiciously. While a speaker technically has the option to not yield to questions, this is extremely inadvisable, since under NFL rules, scorers are instructed to take answering questions into account when evaluating speeches
• Use elegant rhetoric and transitions to signpost your ideas (outline that your audience can follow). Speak extemporaneously; do not read speeches word-for-word from a manuscript.

Response

Every speech after the authorship should refute arguments of the opposing side, and rebut (rebuild) arguments of the same side.

• Refer to specific arguments made by peers. NEVER attack the individual (the ad hominem fallacy). Be kind, generous and gracious in your remarks -- “while well-intentioned…”
• Refer to general themes/threads made in the arguments. After debate gets “one-sided,” a speech of summarization is a welcome relief. Relate everything back to the big picture.

Questioning

Several delegates question a speaker (also called “cross-examination”)

• Asking questions shows participation and genuine interest in what other speakers are saying. Listen to their speeches and take notes, so you can ask meaningful questions. Questions are not marked by judges, but how speakers answer are. Thank the presiding officer when she/he calls on you to question.
• When answering, succinctly answer just the question – no more, no less. Do not avoid answering questions. Give them your best shot.

Procedure

• Time is of the essence, and the ultimate goal of the congress is to share time equally among legislators for speaking. The more time spent on parliamentary motions, amending, etc.; the less time is available for speeches.
• Tabling – Setting the agenda at the beginning of the session is important. Try to avoid changing this valuable work by tabling items once the session has begun. This may slightly anger your judges/scorers and parliamentarian. Also, do not use “tabling” as a shortcut to calling to question. Remember, calling the question is a special motion that gives a voice to the minority prior to when the vote will rest on the majority.
• Do not yield your remaining speaking time to another legislator. The elected presiding officer may not give a speech while presiding.
• Only the presiding officer recognizes legislators who wish to question the speaker. Suspending rules to allow for direct questioning is not recommended. Legislators may only ask one question at a time; two-part questions are not allowed, and suspending rules to allow for them is also frowned upon (it takes time away from other questioners).
• Legislators stand if they wish to be recognized to make a motion, to speak, or to vote on the main motion. Votes on most other motions are usually taken by voice vote, with a “Division” called by a member when the vote is not clear and that member believes someone’s right to speak is being abridged.
• Be respectful of the presiding officer and adults in the room. If the presiding officer makes a minor mistake, give him/her the benefit of the doubt unless someone has been wronged. The P.O. is elected by the chamber to run the meeting and should be allowed to fulfill this duty efficiently and effectively.
• Voting results for a simple majority decision (except on the main motion – legislation) are based upon the number voting; not the number seated in the chamber at the beginning of the session. When debate has exhausted and no one wishes to speak (or the chamber moves to end debate), the chamber will vote on the item.
• Amendments must be submitted to the parliamentarian in writing, who will assess its relevance (germane) and render that decision to the P.O. After the current speech and questioning period, the amending legislator will rise and “move to amend.” Once the motion to amend is recognized, the P.O. will call for a 1/3 second. Upon receiving that tally, an immediate motion may be made to call to question, or the P.O. may call for speeches in affirmation of the amendment (the amending legislator is not guaranteed this privilege).

Helpful Phrases

The following list includes handy phrases (right) for various situations (left):

• Make a motion... “I move that (or to)…”
• Leave the room (toilet, etc.)... “Motion! Personal privilege. To leave the room.”
• Make an amendment (see “Amendments” above)... “Move to amend.”
• Close debate on the current issue... “I move for the previous question.”
• Ask about an error... “Motion! Parliamentary inquiry. …”
• Second a motion... “Second!”
• Table... “I move to lay the question on the table.”
• Take from the table... “I move to take from the table…”