New Blood: Internal Debates
What are internal debates?
'Internal' debates are the events which take place after school (3.30pm-4.30pm) on (alternating) Wednesdays or Thursdays in M5 (Clavius) - check the notices for specific details. I mention the location and time because in order to find out what an internal debate is like, you really have to come along and see. Internal debates can take many forms (some of which are listed below). In general, there is an opportunity for everyone present to contribute. Some motions are given out in advance, some are more spontaneous with only 15-30 minutes of preparation time. Some debates are very technical and some are purely humorous. If, for example, Mark were speaking you would have a good indication of the type of debate. NB events are much better with large audiences, and I cannot encourage you enough to come along and spectate (unless, of course, you live in Chicago and found this website by accident while you were looking for illegal mp3 software). Anyway, here are some of the most popular formats:
| Model for Rules | Speakers per side | Timing | Reply Speech | Open Session |
| ESU | 2 | 7 minutes | 4 minutes | 10 minutes |
| Law Society | 2 | 6 minutes | 3 minutes | 10 minutes |
| Table debate | 3 | 5 minutes | None | At discretion of chair |
| Shorter table debate | 2 | 5 minutes | None | At discretion of chair |
This website copyright of Andrew McIntyre, on behalf of New Blood (2003); return to homepage