Format Guides

There are a number of different formats of debate that you may encounter. Most of the tournaments hosted by university clubs will be in the British Parliamentary format. OSDU hosts a provincial championship in this format and there is also a national championship that could lead to an invitation to the Oxford Speaking Union National Championship in Oxford, UK.

Most other OSDU tournaments are in the Canadian National Debate Format (CNDF) – Regionals, Provincials and National Championships.

There is also a format used by another organization – Pro Con Debate – that is known as Cross-Examination Debate (very much like a courtroom format).

Finally, for advanced debaters, there is a format used for international competitions – Worlds Style. Canada selects a team to represent the nation in a number of international tournaments including the World Schools Debate Championships held annually.

• Canadian National Debate Format
  • OSDU CNDF Style Guide
• British Parliamentary Debate Format
  • OSDU BP Style Guide
  • BP Speech Structure and Role Fulfilment
  • OSDU Debaters/Judges BP Briefing
  • Oxford Union BP Style Guide
• Cross-Examination Format
  • OSDU Cross-Ex Style Guide
• Worlds Style Format
  • English Speaking Union WSD Style Guide
  • Worlds Style Judging and Role Fulfilment