How to start debate with a short paired round

What you need to know

A willing partner and motion

Choose a low-stakes statement you both understand and agree to challenge. One person supports it as proposition; the other opposes it. Agree to equal turns, no interruptions or personal attacks, and a topic change if needed.

Notes and a timer

Use paper or notes you already have and an ordinary timer. Keep a few cue words rather than scripting a full speech.

One checked support per side

Each person should bring one traceable fact or concrete example relevant to their point. Keep the source title or link beside outside factual claims and check what it actually says.

A motion is the statement being debated. Proposition supports it; opposition challenges it. Use the timings below for this exercise; clubs may use different formats.

Choose a motion and prepare

Try “For its first meeting, a book club should discuss a short story instead of a novel.” Agree what “first meeting” means and what would make it useful. Assign sides; these roles need not match your personal views. The ESU’s debate introduction explains motions and opposing sides.

Take about ten minutes each to prepare one point. State your claim, give a reason, support it with a checked fact or example, then say why it matters to the motion. If you compare a particular story and novel, their page counts are facts to verify from the works or publisher listings. “Less reading may help attendance” is an inference to explain, not a measured result. The other side might use a familiar novel to argue for deeper discussion. Consensus’s argument worksheet can help you spot a missing link.

Speak, listen and respond

Proposition gives a one-minute opening, then opposition gives one. While listening, write down the other person’s main reason. Pause for two minutes to prepare. Each then gets one minute of rebuttal, proposition first. Name the point you heard, explain a limit in its reasoning or support, and connect your reply to the motion. Answer the strongest version of the point. The ESU’s listening guide explains why a reply must address substance.

Each side gets a 30-second closing using points already discussed. Stop at the timer. If a minute feels long, use cue words and a shorter claim rather than padding it.

Revise one point

Ask each other which reason was clearest and which claim or reply still needs support. Rewrite one weak point in a sentence or two. That revision completes the round. On another day, swap sides or observe a beginner-friendly club. Check its format, eligibility, accessibility and fees before joining.