Neill says: "I wrote it because I wanted to share what I've picked up from being part of the debating world over so many years. In particular, I wanted there to be a resource that people totally new to debate could pick up, read through in a sitting and feel ready for what is coming. There are techniques and insights in there that will help those keen to improve their speaking and adjudicating skills. It is relentlessly practical, with just the odd bit of misty-eyed nostalgia".
The Practical Guide to Debating Worlds Style/British Parliamentary Style equips you to debate in Worlds Style, currently the most popular, most international, and fastest-growing format of competitive debate. It provides you with techniques, ideas, and advice to develop your debating skills. It also offers tips for organizing a vibrant club, picking teams, and getting the most out of tournaments. It shows you how to adjudicate debates and also contains an in-depth guide to entering and hosting competitions.
The Practical Guide helps you see inside the mind of an adjudicator and cuts through debate jargon with a comprehensive glossary of terms. It will guide and accompany your journey of improvement - whether you are a nervous beginner or an accomplished speaker.
Neill Harvey-Smith was chair of the World Debating Council from 2008 to 2010. He has been chief adjudicator of the European Championships, the U.S. National Championships, and the World Online Debating Championships; he has judged the grand final of the World University Debating Championships on five occasions. As a speaker, Neill was twice national champion, a World Masters winner, and reached the final of the World Championships.
