Photo: John Meany presents the first lecture of the parliamentary debate workshop

 

Posted by: Alfred Snider

 

It started with a brief introductions and then went right into the assessment test. The test tries to separate them into different groups based on experience.

 

While the assessment test was being examined and the groups formed, John Meany delivered a lecture on argumentation and principles of debate. The material was basic yet advanced at the same time, something that John is very good at. Students seemed focused and ready to learn, but then this is only day one.

 

Other activities will include separate presentations on debate format (beginners) and refutation (advanced), followed by lunch. Student instruction will continue in the afternoon as they prepare for their first debates tomorrow.

 

The coaches will have a busy afternoon as John will give a judge certification workshop for all of them. Basic information on judging techniques and behavior will be given and sample situations will be reviewed. John has done judge certification many times and in different parts of the world. Following this fairly long session they will be assigned as “shadow judges” during the first few debates as they try out their role and then certification will partially be based on their performance in these shadow judge roles.