Debating, with its diverse formats and rigorous intellectual demands, offers a unique educational experience. British Parliamentary (BP) Debating stands out as a widely embraced and challenging format. This style, influenced by the actual proceedings of the UK Parliament, is intellectually stimulating and instrumental in building a range of valuable skills for students.
Structure of British Parliamentary Debating
British Parliamentary (BP) debating is a format that consists of four teams with each team having two members. Each team member is tasked to give one speech and present arguments for or against the motion. BP is known for its unique feature of having “opening” houses namely opening government and opening opposition. These opening houses discuss the main arguments in the motion and set up the debate. Meanwhile, the “closing” houses, namely the closing government and closing opposition, are required to extend the arguments of “opening” without simply repeating the opening speech or contradicting the opening speech.
In BP debating each team is tasked to prepare only for 15 minutes. This limited preparation time is known to foster fast critical thinking skills and excellent analysis for the debaters who use the format. BP debating also fosters team chemistry since arguments need to be presented and defended within very strict time limits. During the BP debate, speakers can offer Points of Information to their opponents. Points of Information can be used as a question to clarify the argument of your opponents or to refute the other team. Unlike any other formats, such as the World Schools Debating Championship or Public Forum debate, there is no reply or summary speech in BP.
Benefits of British Parliamentary Debate
1. Sharpening Analytical and Critical Thinking Skills
With only 15 minutes to prepare, debaters must quickly digest information, formulate strategies, and craft persuasive arguments. This intense preparation mimics the pressures of real-life decision-making, honing students' ability to think on their feet.
2. Enhancing Communication Skills
Effective communication is at the heart of BP debating. Participants learn to express complex ideas succinctly and persuasively, improving their public speaking and argumentation skills—abilities that are crucial both in academia and in the workplace.
3. Cultivating Quick Thinking and Strategic Agility
The interactive nature of BP debates, especially during exchanges of Points of Information, tests debaters’ knowledge and spontaneity. This fosters not only quick thinking but also the strategic use of information to steer debates favorably.
4. Developing Empathy and Open-mindedness
Debating various viewpoints, often irrespective of personal beliefs, helps debaters understand and articulate diverse perspectives. This practice builds empathy and enriches students' understanding of complex societal issues.
5. Promoting Teamwork and Collaborative Skills
Success in BP debating relies heavily on teamwork. Debaters must synchronize with their partners to present unified arguments and defend against rebuttals, enhancing their collaborative and strategic planning abilities.
6. Providing Competitive and Academic Advantages
The competencies developed through BP debating make participants stand out in academic and professional arenas. These debaters are often more adept at tackling complex questions and presenting well-formed arguments during college admissions interviews and job applications.
7. Offering Broad Learning and Networking Opportunities
Participating in the BP format opens doors to a variety of national and international competitions, such as the World Universities Debating Championships and the Asia British Parliamentary Championships. These events not only allow students to showcase their debating skills but also to network and learn from peers around the globe.
Final Thoughts
BP debating format is widely used at the World Universities Debating Championships & Cambridge Asia British Parliamentary Championships, with several regional competitions adapting it as well. It is hard to master, but it provides an endless amount of complex and exciting events that students can grow from. Learning how to debate in BP opens up a multitude of opportunities for students since numerous debate competitions use this format.