Whitman Intramural Debate What happens? Page Here is what happens during the IM Debates . . .

PREPARING AHEAD OF TIME List out arguments and reasons for the resolution. List out arguments and reasons against the resolution and against arguments you expect other debaters to present on the affirmative side. You can do some research but it isn't critical. Reminder: You argue the topic, not plans or specific examples of the topic. No debate theory (e.g. ASPEC) nor generic disadvantages or kritiks. If you want help, arrive at 4:00pm and team debaters will be there to help you. MONDAY BY 4:25PM ARRIVE You arrive in Hunter Foyer. There will be other students there who will be in the debates. I'm sure you'll recognize some of them--talk, hang out. DEBATES Jim will tell you what room to go to and who your opponent is and what side (aff or neg) you are; you go to an IM debate coordinator and you’ll tell that person your names and confirm whether you are affirmative or negative. You then go to your room and debate. THE DEBATE THEN BEGINS. The First Affirmative Speaker begins with a 3 minute and 30 second speech supporting the resolution. Then, the First Negative Speaker presents a 6 min. speech attacking the arguments in the affirmative speech and lays out the negative's case against the resolution. Then, the Second Affirmative Speech occurs for 4 min. In this speech, you defend your original arguments and attack the negative speaker's arguments. Then, the Second Negative Speech occurs for 4 min. This should rebuild the negative's arguments and provide a clear set of reasons for the judge to vote against the affirmative. Then, the Third Affirmative Speech occurs for 3 min. This should rebuild the affirmative arguments and reattack the negative's main points. After the debate, you may shake your opponent's hand and the judge might offer some comments. THE BREAK You go back to the Hunter foyer afterward and hang out and have some free snacks and drinks for about 20 minutes. At the end of this break, Jim will announce the Round 2 debates. POSTING FOR ROUND 2 Jim will announce where people debate for Round 2. On this posting, you will find this information: --who you are debating --what room to go to for your debate --who will be judging you You go to your room. Wait to make sure that the judge and your opponent are there. ROUND 2 DEBATE In the Round 2 debate, you will debate on the other side of the resolution--with the same setup as in Round 1. AFTER ROUND 2 After Round 2, you are done; you can leave to wherever you want to go to. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF AWARD WINNERS At the end of the tournament, Jim and the Intramural Debate Coordinator will post the award winners to the community and student listservs and to the IM debate web pages. There is no awards assembly. MONETARY PRIZES At the end of the tournament, Jim and the Intramural Debate Coordinator will submit the names of participants and the cash prizes they should receive. The financial aid office will, shortly after that, put the money into your student account. You will be able to cash that money out at Mem 217 or just use the money to pay your school bills. NOTE: If you went 2-0 in the inexperienced or intermediate division or you went 2-0 or 1-1 in the experienced division, you have qualified for the IM Championship tournament held in late spring. Be looking for an email from Jim Hanson about that (or contact Jim about it).

Questions should be directed to Jim Hanson at hansonjb@whitman.edu