Campusalam

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The conventional debate has a ‘resolution’ – a statement on a contentious issue on which one can either agree or disagree. Two speakers are invited, one for and one against. They each put their case. The audience votes on the issue at the end and the resolution is either carried or defeated.

The speakers can question each other or be given an opportunity to respond to each other

The audience can put questions to the speakers
Speakers can do a summing up at the end

Pros:

- A good way of stimulating debate
- An excellent way of putting positions and opinions to the test – to see if they can survive serious challenge
- Often provides good entertainment and a more interesting event than long speeches
- Needs a good chairperson but not a lot of preparation by the organisers (it takes a lot by the speakers!)

Cons:

- Can be a little black-and-white – maybe there are more than two valid points of view on an issue?
- Can be a little contentious or aggressive
- Needs skillful speakers to work well – not just good at giving a talk, but good at clever argument, critique, and debating skills