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:
- Basics of whip speeches
- Structuring whip speeches
- 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:
- Biased Summary: Summarize major arguments favorably for your side
- 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.