Willminds Debate Rules

WILLMINDS DEBATE RULES

Debate Structure

Debate Teams: 4 teams representing different angles of the topic divided into two groups:

Group 1: Supporting Single-Model Approaches

Team 1 (Straightforward Mediation) – This expert will advocate for straightforward mediation, as a collaborative and voluntary process that fosters dialogue and consensus.
Team 2 (Straightforward Arbitration) – This speaker will argue in favor of straightforward arbitration, emphasizing its legally binding nature and the finality it brings to dispute resolution especially in high-stakes disputes.

The group assignments are for organizational purposes only and do not indicate that the teams within each group are working together. Each team represents its own distinct position.

Debate Rounds

The Debate is composed of 4 structured rounds:

A. Round 1: Opening Statements (15 minutes total)

- Each speaker has 3 minutes to introduce their stance and present the core principles of their chosen method (Med-Arb,Arb-Med, Mediation, Arbitration).
- No interruptions or rebuttals are allowed during this round.

B. Round 2: Argumentation Round (30 minutes total)

- Each team has 5 minutes to present their main arguments and supporting evidence, expandingon their opening statement.
- After each speaker’s presentation, the moderator may ask 1 critical question to test the strength of the arguments presented andpush the speakers to defend their views.

SHORT RECESS (2 minutes) used by teams to prepare their responses for Round 3.

C. Round 3: Rebuttal Round (15 minutes total)

- Each team has 3 minutes to rebut the arguments made by the other teams, specifically focusing on the weaknesses, limitations, or risks associated with the other approaches.

D. Round 4: Closing Statements (10 minutes total)

- Each speaker has 2.5 minutes for their closing statement to summarize key points, reinforce their main argument, and leave a lasting impression on the audience.
- At the end of all statements, the moderator will summarize key points presented by each team and invite the audience to share their thoughts and observations.

Points of Information (POIs)

Points of Information (POIs) are short questions or statements from the opposing side duringa speaker's speech, to challenge or seek clarification on specific points or offer information which favors their side of the debate. It’s a strategic tool to throw the speaker off balance or to demand justificationfor a claim.

When andhow to use a POI:

- Any opposing team can offer a POI, during Round 2 and 3 only, by raising their hand to get the attention of the current speaker. Only 1 POI is allowed per team per round.
- The speaker has the right to either accept or reject the POI.
- If accepted, the speaker will briefly pause their speech and allow the opposing team to ask their question or make their statement (no longer than 15 seconds). Then they must give a brief response (15-30 seconds), either rebutting or acknowledging the point.
- If the speaker rejects the POI, they either say “Not at this time” or simply signal for the opposing team to lower their hands. The debate continues without interruption.
- The speaker may allow 1-2 POIs per speech, but they should have the freedom to control when to accept them.

Audience Card

The Audience Card allows each team to bring an audience member into the debate to briefly support their position, adding fresh perspective or additional points of view to streng then their argument. The team can either pre-select or spontaneously choose the audience member while ensuring that the latter is prepared to contribute effectively.

General Guidelines:

- Each team is allowed to use their Audience Cardonce during the debate, if they wish so.

- The Card can be played during either Round 2 or 3.

- In Round 2, to bolster the team’s main arguments with additional insight or atestimonial that aligns with their position.

- In Round 3, to serve as a counter-rebuttal tool.

- The selected audience member will have maximum 1 minutesto speak in favor of the team's argument. The time allowed for the audience contribution will not be deducted from the team's allocated speaking timeduring the round.

- The use of the Audience Card is an element of surprise to the debate, keeping both the audience and the opposing teams on their toes. Teams will need to think ahead about how and when to use this card effectively.

- The opposing team can challenge or respond to the audience member’s statement during their allocated time.