What you need to know

The Format

In the first half of the year MAD debates the Australasian 3-on-3 style.
While there are some variations, discussed later, the basic style has the following key features:
-Two teams of 3 speakers each
-Each team is assigned a side (the Affirmative, who argue in favour of a topic, and the Negative, who argue against it.) -A topic is decided for each debate
-Teams are given 30 minutes to prepare
-Each speaker speaks for 6 - 8 minutes

The skills of debate are formally broken down into three categories:
-Matter (40%):The logic and relevance of your arguments
-Manner (40%): The style with which you present yourself
-Method (20%): The structure and clarity of your speech

If you'd like more information, you can obtain a digital copy of the training handbook by emailing monash.debaters.it@gmail.com

So what's a debate look like?

If you've never seen a debate before or would like to get back up to date on the how's and why's of University debating, check out this practice debate.

Topic: 'That we would ban offensive music from the radio.'

Aff: Stephen Moore, Madeline Schultz, Aj Rawson

Neg: James Beavis, Gemma Buckley, Josh Goodwill

Adjudicator: Dominic Guinane

But what if I'm no good?

Not to worry! MAD has all the help you need!
-Skilled Debaters In fact, we just won the World Championships
-Good Training Every Monday and some Wednesdays we have member training
-The Right Attitude Because when something's fun, it's east to learn

The Website etc.

MAD has a very comprehensive online presence.
You can view matter articles, videos etc. on Our Website
You can follow us on Facebook ('Like' us here)
We also have Twitter
You can watch debate videos on Youtube