So you want to hold a debate?

What a good idea. A debate is entertaining. It can also promote thought and discussion. A debate will educate and inform. Debating improves your verbal skills and boosts self-confidence. You develop your reasoning skills and logical thought. Good debaters are good citizens. And debating is fun.
For a fun, entertaining, successful debate it is worth spending a little time in planning. This purpose of this article is to help you plan and organise a one-off debate. The following are the factors to consider:
•the type of debate
•the topic (moot) of the debate
•the team members
•the roles of the speakers
•speaking times and timekeeper
•interjections, points of order, points of information
•chairing
•judging (adjudicating)
•setting up and the venue