Public debate is a form of interactive communication that involves the audience as well as the participants. It usually includes a group of speakers that present their views about a particular topic through speeches, comments and questions. Participants may include experts or authorities in the field, politicians, activists, journalists and academics. The number of participants can vary but it is advised that the proper amount is 3 to 5 – any less becomes difficult to flesh out the different viewpoints and any more gets unwieldy and confusing.
One of the most important aspects of debate is its ability to challenge ideas and make the audience think critically. Debates are often used as a tool to inform the public about issues that are of importance. They are also a means to encourage citizens to become more engaged in the democratic process and to participate in elections.
The debate should remain principally a platform for the exchange of views for the benefit of voters, rather than as an occasion for combat between partisans and surrogates. It is also necessary that debaters should, by a fair measure, have a realistic chance of winning.
Using the chess clock model, the candidates are given a certain amount of time to speak on each debate question. To take the floor a participant hits the chess clock to indicate that they are ready to speak. Each speaker is allowed a maximum of three minutes to answer, rebut or ask a question.