Parli Debate began in 1991 as a communication-oriented debate style, designed to give competitors a chance to focus on issues of style and persuasion. No evidence is used in rounds; arguments are analytical observations based on prior knowledge. Several Parli organizations exist, but the largest (and the one in which Cal competes) is the National Parliamentary Debate Association (NPDA); the description found here explains the NPDA format. Founders modeled Parli after the balance of meaningful discourse and humor found in British Parliamentary Proceedings. Evidence of this inspiration can be found by examining the structure of a Parli round; rather than Affirmative and Negative teams, competitors debate as the Government (Aff) or the Opposition (Neg). The judge acts as the “Speaker of the House.” The Speaker, the audience, and the debaters participate to some degree by knocking, or simply saying “here,here” in response to a persuasive arguments. Unfavorable responses to unsatisfactory arguments include “shaming,” and other forms of “heckling.” Of course all participants in debating chambers react tactfully, and respect the academic atmosphere of the debate itself. Each debate centers on a proposition, announced 15 minutes before each round, previously unknown to participants, and different each round.

Propositions may be explicit policy questions (i.e Resolved that the U.S should reform Social Security), questions of value (i.e This House would sacrifice rights for responsibility), or “metaphorical” resolutions (i.e This House would raise the roof). In each case, the Government team uses the 15 minutes of preparation time to construct a case affirming the resolution. Less explicit propositions require interpretation by the Government team; focusing the debate on specific issues, while retaining the spirit of the proposition. If the proposition state that This House would raise the roof, then one expects the Government to change or expand a policy of the current system. During prep time, the Opposition organizes arguments against expected interpretations and the general spirit of the resolution. The debate then commences as follows:

Prime Minister Constructive (1st Gov. Speaker) 7 min. Leader of the Opp. Constructive (1st Opp. Speaker) 8 min. Member of the Gov. Constructive (2nd Gov. Speaker) 8 min. Member of the Opp. Constructive (2nd Opp. Speaker) 8 min. Leader of the Opp. Rebuttal (1st Opp Speaker) 4 min. Prime Minister Rebuttal (1st Gov. Speaker) 5 min.

Parli format doesn’t include in-round prep time; speakers respond extemporaneously to opponent’s arguments. Cross Examination periods are replaced by Points of Information: Debaters may rise during any of their opponent’s constructive speeches, and the speaker may choose to yield to the point (either a question or statement). In the end, the Speaker casts her ballot for the winning side, determined by examining the flow, and considering wit and persuasion. The Parli community has grown tremendously since 1991; only 52 two-person teams participated in the first National tournament in 1994, while over 240 teams competed at Nationals 2001. Two and Four year Universities compete in regional tournaments all season, preparing for the National Championship tournament held each March. Squads compete for Season Sweepstakes Rankings, as well as chances to compete in prestijous Round Robins and the newly developed Tournament of Champions (T.O.C). For more information on Parli Debate consult the NPDA webpage:

http://www.bethel.edu/Majors/Communication/npda.html