Breakdown of Paris 5-style speeches

Paris Five/FDA speech guidelines

Order:

Chairman introduces debate and clarifies the rules. Introduces individual speakers then calls Prop 1 to begin

Prop 1>Opp1>Prop2>Opp2>Prop3>Opp3>Prop4>Opp4>Prop final speaker>Opp final speaker

Introduction:

Polite introduction to every speech (adjectives in bold should be modified to fit the team, motion or the nature of the bellperson). Address the chairman first, then bellgirl, other team, your team, jury then audience. You can go on for as long as you like. The clock starts ticking from the moment you say good afternoon/evening. Here is an example:

“Dear Chairman/chairperson, ravishing bellgirl, learned yet misguided members of the opposition/proposition, rational fellow members of the proposition/opposition, honorable and distinguished members of the jury, Ladies and Gentlemen// good morning/afternoon/evening!”

Speeches

Prop 1: contents

·         What is the motion, how can we define the words, what is the debate about?

·         “This house believes/this house would”

·         Job is to convince the audience that the motion should be accepted. Either that there should be a change or that the status quo would be preferable.

• Explains what his/her team is going to say
• Short summary of one or two main arguments
• Conclusion of two arguments made

So:

1.       Define the motion

2.       Explain key words

3.       Outline team’s main arguments

4.       Present own argument/arguments

5.       Summarize speech

Opp 1 contents:

• Must accept definition given by the proposition but can complete it if the definition is missing
• Signpost the arguments that he/she and the team will make
• Show that the arguments of Prop 1 are flawed, incorrect and/or his/her examples are poor
• Two or three new arguments

So

1.       Outline team’s arguments

2.       Respond to props’ arguments

3.       Present own arguments

4.       Summarize speech

Prop2: contents

• Offer rebuttal of first opposition speech with humor!
• Offer arguments that first  prop speaker stated you would mention in Prop1
• Maybe rebuild definition if Opp 1 has attacked or criticized the proposition’s definition of the motion
• Conclude arguments plus maybe that of Prop1 as well

So:

1.       Rebuild the team’s arguments

2.       Rebut the other team’s arguments

3.       Present your own team’s new arguments

4.       Summarize speech

Opp2: contents

• Offer rebuttal of first proposition speech with humor!
• Offer arguments that first  opp speaker stated you would mention in Opp1
• Reinforce team line if necessary
• Conclude arguments plus maybe that of Opp1 as well

So:

5.       Rebuild the team’s arguments

6.       Rebut the other team’s arguments

7.       Present your own team’s new arguments

8.       Summarize speech

Prop3: contents

• Offer rebuttal of second opposition speech with humor!
• Offer arguments that first  prop speaker stated you would mention in Prop1
• Conclude arguments plus maybe that of Prop2 as well

So:

1.       Rebuild the team’s arguments

2.       Rebut the other team’s arguments

3.       Present your own team’s new arguments

4.       Summarize speech

Opp3: contents

• Offer rebuttal of second proposition speech with humor!
• Offer arguments that first  opp speaker stated you would mention in Opp1
•  Reinforce team line if necessary
• Conclude arguments plus maybe that of Opp2 as well

So:

1.       Rebuild the team’s arguments

2.       Rebut the other team’s arguments

3.       Present your own team’s new arguments

4.       Summarize speech

Prop4: contents

•  Offer rebuttal of third opposition speech with humor!
• Offer arguments that first  prop speaker stated you would mention in Prop1
• Conclude arguments plus maybe that of Prop3 as well

So:

1.       Rebuild the team’s arguments

2.       Rebut the other team’s arguments

3.       Present your own team’s new arguments

4.       Summarize speech

Opp4: contents

• Offer rebuttal of third proposition speech with humor!
•  Offer arguments that first  opp speaker stated you would mention in Opp1
• Reinforce team line if necessary

·         Conclude arguments plus maybe that of Opp3 as well

So:

1.       Rebuild the team’s arguments

2.       Rebut the other team’s arguments

3.       Present your own team’s new arguments

4.       Summarize speech

Prop5: contents

·         Declare how interesting the debate has been on both sides yet:

• Demolish the main arguments of the Opposition
• Make it clear in the minds of the jury why it is obvious that the motion should be accepted
• Maybe predict what Opp5’s closing arguments will be and undermine them eight-mile style (risky)
• Make the audience laugh and end with something like “and this is why I beg you ladies and gentlemen to listen to reason and accept the motion!”

Opp5: contents

• Thank Prop4 for such a passionate/excited/eager speech then demolish it
• You have the last word and, if you feel you need to catch up in order to win, you could choose to ignore all or some of the oppositions POIs (risky)
•  Build up momentum (steamroller) towards the end
•    Either stir up passion or humor in the audience
•   Twist words and arguments if necessary in the last protected minute, nobody will be able to contradict you anyway.
•   Ignore the proposition and concentrate on the jury, don’t allow yourself to be side-tracked