Short audience guide to Paris 5 debate

The Paris Five debate: a short introduction

 The Paris Five debate style is mainly used during the French Debating Association (FDA) tournament and involves five speakers proposing a motion and five opposing.

			Proposition 1 should define the motion and introduce the team Opposition 1 should rebut and introduce the team
			Proposition 2 should rebut Opposition 1 and propose new arguments Opposition 2 should rebut Proposition 2 and propose new arguments
			Proposition 3 should rebut Opposition 2 and propose new arguments Opposition 3 should rebut Proposition 3 and propose new arguments
			Proposition 4 should rebut Opposition 3 and propose new arguments Opposition 4 should rebut Proposition 4 and propose new arguments
			Proposition 5 should rebut and summarize the entire debate Opposition 5 should rebut and summarize the entire debate

 

Speeches last between five and seven minutes generally and are punctuated by bells:

·         The first bell (after one minute) indicates that the protected time for the speaker is over. The opposing team can begin interrupting with questions (Points of Information).

·         The second bell (one minute before the end) indicates the beginning of the second protected time and no more questions can be asked.

·         The third bell (at the end of the time allowed) indicates that the speaker must wind up their arguments and come to the end of their speech.

The audience is expected to participate in the following ways:

·         If you strongly agree with something the speaker is saying, you shout “Hear! Hear!”

·         If you strongly disagree with something the speaker is saying, you shout “Shame”

·         After the end of the debate when the judges are deliberating, take part by asking questions to the speakers during the house debate.

·         Have fun!