Monash Association of Debaters

by Ray D'Cruz

While debating may seem like an odd thing to do if you've never done it before, or an odd thing to do now that you're at uni after you did it in those dark dim school days, then how on earth did you end up a member at MAD?

My guess is that if you're one of those who has debated before, you realise that it's a bit of fun. If you haven't, it's probably that you suspect it is fun and that it could be good for you.

Not only is debating at university more relaxed that the those tense school debating days, it is beneficial. You don't need to be told the benefits of being able to stand up and argue coherently and logically.

If you did like those old tense school days where competition was important, or you think this sounds good anyway, then maybe IVs (intervarsities) are the thing for you. While Australasian and World IVs are very competitive, right down to trials at Monash, the Easter IV is designed specifically for novices and the Sydney Mini IV is also usually open to anyone.

Whatever the case, there is no substitute for reading some guides on the different styles of debate at Monash in order that you can hit the ground running. Try attending one of the training seminars, that way you'll feel a little more comfortable if it's your first debate. Also remember that most of our Internal Competition adjudicators and DAV adjudicators are very experienced debaters and adjudicators and will be able to offer you some constructive advice.

There are two mainstyles of debate at Monash, Australian and British Parliamentary. We also do some American Parliamentary (two-on-two with replies.)

The DAV conducts its competition in three on three Australian style. The Easter IV is in this style and so too is the Australasian IV. Our Internal Competition is also now run in three-on-three style.

The second style we train and compete in is British Parliamentary. This is the style of competition of the World IV. This style has four teams of two with points of information. We conduct a British Parliamentary competition during the year.

Use this guide. All of the authors have done a lot of adjudicating and had success debating within Monash and at IVs. If you want to become serious about improving your debating, keep coming back to this page, or even print it out so that you can take it with you, it's a very good guide.

Most importantly, feel welcome to debate in this club. Many of our members who decide they enjoy debating and then go on to enjoy success at IVs, joined and became involved because they felt comfortable in MAD. We hope you feel welcome too.

Introduction