The

Debate Format

We Use: QFA

What is

QFA Debate Format

The QFA (Question for Answer) debate format is an approach to debate that ensures, by its design, that there is:

  1. Maximum cooperation between debating parties to understand each other; and
  2. The effective unearthing of truths, logic and sound ideas.

It has the effect of creating a more intellectual and respectful debate environment that focuses on solutions.

The format was designed as an alternative to current parliamentary and other styles of debate on television and more, which tend to be adversarial and without good direction or structure towards reliable and agreed conclusions; they lack deliberate design, and are often just open and "cross-fire" conversations — say yours, I say mine — sometimes very chaotically and noisily, whereas the QFA format was carefully designed to enable its goals of cooperation, methodicalness and truth-finding.

The QFA approach to debate is similar to a court trial, in that it uses cross-examinations as the main driver of debate. So, the approach is something we are already familiar with, although it has other provisions which allow it to be a more enlightening or educational, and constructive process of engagement.

All Citizen Assembly debates and proceedings adhere to the QFA approach. Summaries of the debate structure and rules are provided below.

For a full list of procedures and rules under this debate format, you can download a FREE copy of the QFA Debate: Format, Rules and Guidelines published by The Future of Governance (tfog.org).

Download Guide (FREE)
Summary of

Debate Structure

A debate takes the form of cross-examinations. That is, instead of simply exchanging presentations or arguments (as in a parliamentary debate) or responding to a list of questions from a journalist, moderator or organiser to compare answers (as in most media and conference debates), in a QFA debate format, the parties to the debate alone (or primarily) question and interrogate each other.

The debate starts off with each party to the debate presenting a case for something; typically, a proposal for a course of action, by one party, whereas another party opposes that course of action or proposes a different course of action for the country.

Each party's case must be supported by a short list of key arguments, published beforehand, which supposedly justify their case.

Parties to the debate then spend majority of the time to:

  1. Interrogate to understand each other;
  2. Establish the truth of each case and why one stands better; and
  3. Get the other party to agree, where viable.

Another important distinction between Parliamentary debate and this format in the Citizen Assembly is:

  1. Representatives are called speakers, and are part of the audiences, separate from parties to the debate; and "party" here does NOT mean mass political party but any individual or group pursuing an issue.
  2. The chair of the Assembly is the President (akin to Speaker of Parliament but without the same powers).
Summary of

Debate Rules

1.
Stick to Objectives of the Debate

The objectives of debate (as hinted in the "Debate Structure" above) are, generally, to prove/disprove arguments, agree where possible, and invite the other party to do same. Engagements cannot deviate from this.

2.
All Questions Bust Be Answered

All questions in cross-examinations must be answered directly; or with an “I don’t know” if one does not have an answer. A refusal to directly answer a question will result in automatic forfeiture of one's case.

3.
Searching For Answers Permitted

A party is allowed time to think before answering a question, and to search for an answer, if they do not recall or know it.

Summary of

Debate Guidelines

Debating parties are advised to, at all times:
  • Address the logic of arguments, not who the argument is coming from.
  • Take a learning approach; be genuinely curious and open to understanding the other party.
  • Feel free to look up answers, if needed, before responding.
  • Relax, take time and consider, before responding.
  • Never jubilate "wins" but appreciate the other party for cooperation.
Debate day

Program Line-Up

11:00AM - 2:00PM

  • 11:00AMWelcome and Opening

    Welcome of guests and participants, opening prayer, greetings and initial acknowledgements and announcements (30 minutes)

  • 11:30AMDebate

    Debate according to the following schedule (2 hours)
Time Allotted For
5 min Introductions and selection of starting party
10 min Opening arguments (5 minutes each)
60 min Cross-examinations, round 1 (30 minutes each)
20 min Cross-examinations, round 2 (10 minutes each)
10 min Members and audience questions
10 min Closing arguments (5 minutes each)
5 min Voting

  • 1:30PMClosing and Farewell

    Declaration and signing of resolution, closing prayer, thanking of guests and participants, final announcements and farewell (10 minutes)

  • 1:40PMNetworking

    Networking session between guests and participants (20 minutes)