Impromptu debate is a type of formalized academic debate. Representative of comedic debate, Impromptu debating is practiced at high schools, generally in tandem with other, more serious forms of debate. In some areas, such as portions of Canada, impromptu debate is treated as formally as Parliamentary debate.
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Content
Impromptu is an individual event that consists of just one competitor giving a speech against other competitors that give their speech at a separate time. Impromptu differs from other forms of debate because of it. Emphasis is usually given on humour as well as on logic and performance. The resolutions debated often encourage humorous debates.
Format
Each team comprises two members, each of whom is named according to their team and speaking position within his or her team. The Impromptu format varies, depending on what "traditional" debate format on what it is based. An impromptu debate in Policy debate style, for example, might follow the Policy speech format, but with radically altered content or speech durations.
sess.usask.ca The format is conducted in a different way than typical debates. The rules are bent in order to provide the students who have minimal to zero experience in to be able to take part in the debate.
JSA Impromptu debate format usually consists of choosing two volunteers out of the students attending the block and then having the audience assign a topic to them.
Judging
There are several methods of judging an Impromptu debate. The most standard method is when a single judge observes the debate and simply votes one way or another; however, it is sometimes acceptable to have the audience (if it is sufficiently large) cast votes, with the winner determined by majority.
sess.usask.ca Although, there are other ways to judge these types of debates. One way is to have a minimum of three judges that all come from different backgrounds - providing diversity and different views. It is not necessary, although encouraged for the judges to have some sort of experience in the topic being debated in addition to experience in debating.