Diplomacy & Politics Glossary

Direct engagement between opposing arguments where debaters confront and respond to each other’s points.

The initial speeches in a debate round where teams build their case and present their main arguments for the first time.

The last speech in a Public Forum debate that summarizes key arguments and explains why your side wins.

An appeal to logic and reason using facts and evidence to persuade an audience.

In British Parliamentary debate, the second speaker of each team responsible for extending arguments and rebutting opposition points.

In policy debate, the combined speeches of the negative team’s second affirmative and first negative speakers presented consecutively.

The speech in which the negative side refutes the affirmative's arguments and reinforces its own case, typically following the affirmative's rebuttal.

An opening statement outlines the main arguments and sets the tone for a mock trial or moot court case.

An emotional appeal aimed at influencing the audience's feelings to support an argument.

The opening speech in British Parliamentary debate delivered by the first proposition speaker to establish the team’s case.

A speech focused on refuting opponent arguments and reinforcing one’s own case, typically shorter and more concise.