Abhivyakti

Literary & Debating Society

Presents,

एशियन संसदीय बहस

Asian Parliamentary
Debate
 Introduction
Abhivyakti, Delhi Metropolitan Education's Literary and Debating
Society, opens its doors to the Asian Parliamentary Debate Tournament,
2024. The event aims to encourage spirited discussions among the students
and welcomes new perspectives on issues that are on all of our minds with
well-researched and well-spoken debates.
As the name suggests, Abhivyakti stands for expression of thought and
self. The society has a long history of events and opportunities where
students and participants can come to the stage and express themselves in
a number of ways. From debate competitions to MUNs, Abhivyakti is
responsible for creating a holistic and encouraging environment where
participants and members dedicate themselves to speaking on well-
researched, influential and relative topics that span from gender norms to
more sensitive and crucial topics. Along with that, Abhivyakti also
welcomes creative freedom of thought through poetry, creative writing
and essay competitions.
In the safe space of Abhivyakti, there are skills to be gained and
experiences to be lived. Abhivyakti emphasises on the development of
oration and speaking skills. In growth of personality and confidence
through interaction and repeated encouragement to be assertive and
expressive in speech. The long term aspirations and possibilities remain
wide open within Abhivyakti, as the society focuses on well-rounded
members and creating opportunities that cannot be found elsewhere.
The members are not limited by the course of their study or the profession
they dream of, and are all united by the need to express, to create, to
speak. Abhivyakti stands tall with a past of welcoming different opinions
and strong personalities and looks towards the future to inspire and to
express.
 Core Members
President- Sneha Vaishishtha
A very warm welcome to Abhivyakti and the Asian Parliamentary Debate
Tournament, 2024! This year's tournament is brimming with exciting
topics and spirited discussions, ready to ignite your enthusiasm. As the
President of Abhivyakti, I'm thrilled to embark on this wonderful journey
of knowledge and camaraderie with you. Together, let's illuminate our
worlds with the glow of wisdom and friendship!

Vice President- Sarthak Srivastava

Abhivyakti is thrilled to invite you to the electrifying Asian Parliamentary
Debate Tournament, 2024! Our participants are eager and prepared to
demonstrate their debating prowess as they tackle topics that often remain
unexplored. This event offers a vibrant platform where talents are honed,
passions are ignited, and growth is guaranteed. Join us as we embark on
this exciting journey toward becoming the true champions of expression—
an adventure we are delighted to share with you!

Secretary- Anisha Singh

Get ready to dive into a world of inspiring debates and dynamic
discussions as we welcome you with open arms! To all the participants,
remember—the world is your stage, and this competition is your
launching pad to all the incredible opportunities that lie ahead. Embrace
the spirit of Abhivyakti and let your voice be heard with confidence and
passion!

Secretary- Ishita Rohatgi

As we kick off the Asian Parliamentary Debate Tournament 2024, I
encourage every participant to embrace the belief that the impossible is
within their reach. I’m thrilled to witness the powerful ideas and actions
you’ll bring to the table. Your journey to shape the world starts now, and I
can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make!

PR Head- Deepika Singh

Being the PR Head of Abhivyakti, I aim to spread awareness and ignite
conversations aligns perfectly with the spirit of the Asian Parliamentary
Debate Tournament 2024. Here, participants come together to share
knowledge and address the critical issues shaping our society. Knowledge is
not just power—it’s a right. Through this competition we strive to foster a
culture of learning and education, empowering everyone to confidently voice
their beliefs and stand strong in this transformative era.
 FORMAT OF THE TOURNAMENT
These guidelines, referred to as the “Abhivyakti PD Rules”, must be adhered to
by participants. The competition will follow the '3-on-3' Asian Parliamentary
debate format, governed by specific rules and regulations.
1. Tournament Structure
A. Each debate will feature two teams: one proposing and one opposing the motion. The
proposing team may be called the 'Proposition,' 'Affirmative,' or 'Government,' while the
opposing team may be called the 'Opposition' or 'Negative.' Each team will be assigned their role
as either the Proposition or Opposition for each round.
B. Debates will be judged by a panel consisting of an odd number of adjudicators, with one acting
as the chairperson.
C. A timekeeper will be responsible for keeping time during each debate. If no timekeeper is
available, a member of the adjudication panel will handle timekeeping duties.
D. Each team will have the following roles:
I. Affirmative / Proposition
a. Prime Minister or First Speaker
b. Deputy Prime Minister or Second Speaker
c. Government Whip or Third Speaker
II. Negative / Opposition
a.Leader of Opposition or First Speaker
b.Deputy Leader of Opposition or Second Speaker
c.Opposition Whip or Third Speaker
E. Debaters will speak in the following order:
·Prime Minister
·Leader of Opposition
·Deputy Prime Minister
·Deputy Leader of Opposition
·Government Whip
·Opposition Whip
·Opposition Reply
·Government Reply
F.Speakers who do not have the floor are not allowed to interrupt a speech, except to raise a
‘point of information.’ Any speaker who interrupts inappropriately, engages in heckling, or
disrupts the flow of the debate will be deemed ‘out of order.’
G.The speakers are requested to adhere by the timing. The given time is as follows:
·Substantive Speech: 3mins per speaker
·Reply Speeches: 2mins per speaker
H.After the allotted speech time ends, speakers are given a 20-second grace period to finish their
remarks.
A.Teams that do not arrive on time for the debate without a valid excuse will lose by the largest
possible margin. The opposing team will then compete against a standby swing team, which is
not competing for the official rankings, arranged by the host university.
B.Both the teams will be given 15 minutes of preparation time only. After every speaker 1min
break shall be given to the next speaker.
C.The participants are allowed to use internet only during the preparation time. The speakers
can use reference material for speaking.
D.For constructive speeches, the following scoring criteria will apply:
1.Matter: 40
2. Manner: 40
3. Method: 20
4.Total: 100

SPEAKER ROLES
A.Proposition
1.First Speaker
·define the motion and establish any relevant frameworks
·Introduce action plan ("model") if the team chooses to tackle the motion with one
·Introduce and develop constructive material ("arguments")
2.Second Speaker
·Deal with challenges of the definition, if necessary
·Bring rebuttal to first opposition speaker
·Extend and further develop the constructive case of proposition
·Extend and further develop their constructive case
3.Third Speaker
·Bring rebuttal to Opposition’s constructive case, if they have one
·Bring a holistic overview of the debate
·Compare and analyse both teams’ argumentative cases
·Explain why they think their team won, without adding non-derivative new material
B.Opposition
1.First Speaker
·Challenge definition if necessary
·Bring Rebuttal – this can be both of the plan and propositions' constructive material
·Introduce own stance (could be the status quo, or a counter-model)
·Bring constructive material
2.Second Speaker
·Bring rebuttal to extension and extend and further develop the case of the proposition
·Extend the constructive case of opposition, if they have one
·Bring rebuttal to Propositions' constructive case 3.Third Speaker
·Extend and further develop Opposition’s constructive case, if they have one
·Bring a holistic overview of the debate
·Compare and analyse both teams’ argumentative cases
·Explain why they think their team won, without adding non-derivative new material
A.Reply Speeches
·The function of reply speeches is to summarize the debate from the team’s perspective,
addressing the opposing team’s arguments and presenting a recap of their own team’s case.
·The reply speaker can be either the first or second speaker, but not the third. The order is
reversed, with the Opposition giving their reply first, followed by the Proposition.
·Neither reply speaker is allowed to introduce new material to the team’s case.
·A reply speaker may address an existing argument by providing a new example to reinforce it,
but cannot present a completely new argument.

GENERAL CONDUCT

·Always uphold decorum and fairness.

·Avoid harassment, generalizing protected characteristics, or using intimidation or barracking.
·Respect stated preferences for gender pronouns & do not disrespect any party’s belief.
·No disrespectful behaviour should be exercised against OC members.
·Respect the adjudicator panel at all times. Their decision is final & binding.
·Remember to enjoy yourself and learn something new!