Mastering Whip Speeches in Debating

Sep 21, 2024

Whip Speeches in Debating

Introduction

  • Presenter: Isaac, a Hart House debater
  • Purpose: Part of Hart House's outreach initiative to explain debate techniques
  • Focus: Whip speeches—how to prepare and deliver them
  • Structure of Video: Covers three main areas:
    1. Basics of whip speeches
    2. Structuring whip speeches
    3. Preparation and execution during debates

Basics of Whip Speeches

  • Role in Debate:
    • Last or second last speaker in the debate
    • Speak after the two extension speeches
  • Goals:
    1. Biased Summary: Summarize major arguments favorably for your side
    2. Highlight Team's Material: Explain why your team's material, particularly the extension, was superior
  • Key Actions:
    • Refutation: Focus on refuting critical issues, not your front half
    • Rebuild/Protect Extension: Defend against attacks, validate its importance
    • Weigh Extensions: Compare your extension's arguments against others in the debate
    • No New Arguments: Do not introduce new constructive arguments

Structuring Whip Speeches

  • Challenges: No new arguments, need to address various issues coherently
  • Common Structures:
    • Themes/Questions:
      • Identify 2-3 critical issues or questions
      • Categorize rebuttal and extension material under these themes/questions
      • Example Themes for a Topic on Mandatory Voting:
        • Rights: Do people have the right not to vote?
        • Political Improvement: Does mandatory voting improve politics?
    • Team by Team Format:
      • Address each team individually
      • Explain why your material is superior to theirs
      • Example: Address opening gov, then opening opp, then closing opp

Preparation and Execution

During Prep Time

  • Initial Focus:
    • Do not write the final speech immediately
    • Predict potential arguments from other teams
    • Think of refutations for anticipated arguments
  • Collaborate with Partner:
    • Assist in developing the extension
    • Consider arguments not yet made that could become extensions
    • Avoid writing the speech early; prioritize brainstorming possible arguments

During the Round

  • Early Stage:
    • Share ideas with partner discreetly
    • Understand the unfolding debate—key arguments and models
  • Front Half:
    • Note major arguments from each team
    • Develop rebuttal strategies
    • Outline your own front half's case
  • When Partner Speaks:
    • Work on strengthening or refining the extension
    • Decide on themes/questions based on the debate trajectory
    • Critically assess partner’s extension delivery and prepare to strengthen it

Conclusion

  • Encouragement: Reach out to Hart House on Facebook for questions
  • Future Videos: Stay tuned for more educational content from Hart House

This summary provides a structured guide for understanding whip speeches in debating, offering practical insights into preparation and delivery strategies.