For The Debaters

Sheher Imam Chowdhury

There are three golden rules for parliamentary speakers : Stand up. Speak up. Shut up.

JW Lowther, Speaker of the House of commons in 1917

When we gave reasons for others to accept a claim, we are making an argument. The facts from which you derive your conclusion is called the premise of the argument. The reasons we give are called inferences, and the claim they allegedly support is called the conclusion. If the premise is sound and the inferences are good enough to support the conclusion, then your argument is a good one.

Other consideration that determine the course and outcome of a debate are :-

Clarity :

Are your arguments or debating position clear ?

Provide enough background information so others understand
Avoid using ambiguous words.
Accuracy :
Are your arguments accurate ?

Cite experts who are authorities in their respective fields
Ensure independent reliable corroboration of your sources
Check for consistency with all other information
Thoroughness :
Are your arguments well considered ?

Address the complexity of the issues involved
Ensure that all significant factors accounted for
Take all viewpoints into consideration
Sometimes, logically fallacious arguments can be psychologically compelling. It is there fore, important to understand the difference between a good argument and a fallacious one. So when someone gives you argument, you should ask yourself : Are the premises sound ? Are the inferences logical ? If the answer to any of these is no, then the argument is not compelling.

In Bangladesh, we still have ambiguities regarding the parliamentary style of debating. We know the rules, but we don't know the style to apply these rules. Let's see how we should resent out speech...... as a parliamentarian.

Do's and Don't Parliamentary debating and Presenting
 
Do :
Don't :
be well prepared confuse
grab people's attention at the beginning of your speech  wave anything around : hands, pen
speak clearly mimble or put your hand in front of your mouth
make only a few points, but make them well make too many points
look directly at the audience whenever you can keep your eyes glued to your notes
keep your sentences short  speak in long, convoluted sentences
repeat your main point at the end stack your opponent - only attack their argument

Standing Orders for Debate

Addressing the meeting

Always address the Chairperson of the debate using the phrase Madam or Mr. Chairperson. ( The Chairperson can also be addressed as " Madam Speaker " or " Mr. Speaker " )

When not to speak

Do not speak when the Chairperson is speaking. ( we often see people trying to convince the speak while making ruling )

Point of Order

It you think that the person speaking is talking about matters that are nothing to do with the proposition, you can draw attention to it as a " point of order ". to do this you should get to your feel, look at the chairperson and say loudly, " point of order Madam/Mr. speaker". You will then be asked why you believe that the speaker is out. the Chairperson will decide whether she/he is in order or not.

Asking a question

If you wish to ask a question or give a point of information, stand up and attract the attention of the Chairperson. If the person speaking does not give way , then you must sit down again.

Catch the eyes of the chairperson

If you wish to speak in the debate, stand up and look firmly at the Chairperson. If you are not called to speak immediately, then sit down and jump to your feet again as the current speaker in sitting down. repeat this action until eventually catch the eye of the Chairperson and you are called.

Holding the floor

If you have only just your speech and someone wishes to ask you a question or give you information, and you want to carry on speaking, then you continue to stand up, carry on talking and indicate with a shake of your head or a wave of your hand that you are not going to give way.

Proposition, motions and resolutions

In debates, it is usual to have proposition ( e.g. " This House believes that every effort should be made to save energy by properly insulation the homes of citizens throughout the country " ). The proposition becomes a motion when it has been moved and seconded. If the motion is carried or passed it is the called a resolution.
 

 

GooD Luck.