Competitions
Georgia Tech Debate competes in all common debate formats. Here's a brief introduction to the styles you'll become acquainted with.
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All debate formats are competitive; two teams, representing the affirmative and negative positions of an issue, introduce points to support their stance and rebut their opponent's claims.
IPDA
The International Public Debate Association (IPDA) encourages public debate; all IPDA rounds can be judged by laymen. Affirmative and negative speakers alternate, both speaking for eleven minutes total. Tournaments provide a preparation period before each round: Competitors cannot prepare materials beforehand.
NPDA
Like IPDA, National Parliamentary Debate Association (NPDA) rounds do not allow for preparation outside of the sanctioned period. Both sides speak for twenty minutes each. NPDA is the most common collegiate debate format.
Policy Debate
Policy Debate is a longer, team-based format that emphasizes well-researched, comprehensive arguments. We compete in the NDT/CEDA circuit.