A Formal Debate at the Researcher to Reader Conference is a highly structured discussion where two sides (with one or two speakers each) argue for or against a binary and unambiguous proposition. Typically we have just one debate during the R2R Conference timetable; frequently the debate proposition and speakers have been organised by the Conference Advisory Board, but we welcome proposals.

A debate typically lasts 60-90 minutes, with an initial poll, opening speeches for and against the proposition, rebuttal speeches, a Q&A session with the participants, closing statements, and a final poll. The moderator is a strict enforcer of the rules including timekeeping, and takes a participant vote on the proposition before and after the debate to determine the movement in opinion and hence the winner of the argument.

In the R2R Call for Papers, proposals may be made for a complete Formal Debate, including the proposition and all the proposed speakers, or for a partial session that needs some work on the proposition or additional speakers. People who have proposed a Debate may be invited to adapt their proposal to another session type. People who have proposed other session types may be invited to adapt their proposal to be part of a Debate session. People may also contribute to more than one session at the Conference (for example giving a Debate speech as well as facilitating a Collaborative Workshop).

Formal Debate speakers and the moderator are strongly encouraged to participate in the whole Conference, not just appear for their own session, and are offered a discount on Conference attendance of 50% off the normally applicable early-bird tariff. Debate speakers and moderators are invited to the informal contributor dinner at the end of the first day of the Conference, at their own cost.

Page created 8 July 2024