Resources - Debating SA Incorporated

Beginner Guides

Debating - Brief Introduction for Beginners

Debating: A Brief Introduction for Beginners

This free publication describes the basics of debating as well as an overview of the steps of preparing a debate. Debating - A Brief Introduction for Beginners

Rebuttal: The Beginner’s Guide

Get started on rebuttal with this handy guide. The Beginner's Guide to Rebuttal

The Official Debating Manual

The Official Debating Manual provides comprehensive and detailed guidance about the rules and technique of debating. This publication is available for purchase in our shop.

Debating Word Definition Sheet

A worksheet exercise to help students become familiar with debating terminology. Answers included. Debating Word Definition Sheet

Rubric for Adjudication

This rubric is used by adjudicators to assess speeches during the debate. Important: This document is provided solely for the use of Debating SA participants as well as teachers in schools for educational purposes. It must not otherwise be used or otherwise copied without express and prior written consent. Adjudication …

Speech Structure Fact Sheet

Speech Templates

Speech Structure Templates

We have created some templates that debaters can use to prepare their speeches. These include cue card formats that can be printed on plain paper or cardboard (we recommend 200gsm) and cut out.

Speech Structure Template – Cue Card Format PDF

Speech Structure Template – Cue Card Format DOCX

Speech Structure Template – A4 Paper Version

At the Debate

Chairman, Timekeeper and Official Score Sheets

This sheet is used by the Chairman to introduce the debate and each of the speakers. The timekeeper records the length of each speech. This is then handed to the adjudicator at the end of the debate. Chairman, Timekeeper and Official Score Sheets

Further Your Debating

Example Speeches & Debates

YouTube Channel

View our debate archives collection, including finals and special events.

Example Debates & First, Second, Third Speeches

Teachers & Coaches

Participation Certificate

Debating Games

Example Topics

Merchandise

The Debater’s Guide to Fallacies

Master your knowledge of logical fallacies with this must have guide for all debaters.

Debating SA Caps: Keep Calm and Carry on Debating

Show off your love of debating with these stylish caps, guaranteed to make you stand out in any debating team. Caps are made from heavy brushed cotton with contrast sandwich peak, gunmetal eyelets and fabric strap with gunmetal buckle and tuck-in return.

Printed Cue Cards – Negative Set

These cards come already printed with our debating template on them so all you have to do is fill in the blanks. The set includes First Negative, Second Negative and Third Negative speaker cards.

Printed Cue Cards – Affirmative Set

These cards come already printed with our debating template on them so all you have to do is fill in the blanks. The set includes First Affirmative, Second Affirmative and Third Affirmative speaker cards.

The Official Debating Manual

The Official Debating Manual provides comprehensive and detailed guidance about the rules and technique of debating. Table of Contents Foreword What is a Debate? Scoring The Layout of a Debate How to Prepare a Debate in Ten Steps Argument Definition and Interpretation of the Topic Tricky or Quirky Definitions and Interpretations …

Lapel Pins (Quantities of 3+)

A great memento for debaters these pins are handmade from vitreous enamel and are gold plated.

Lapel Pins (Quantities of 1-2)

A great memento for debaters these pins are handmade from vitreous enamel and are gold plated.