Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Parliamentary Debate?
(Information adapted from the APDA and NPDA websites)
Parliamentary debate is an extemporaneous form of competitive debate which emphasizes solid argumentation, logical analysis, quick thinking, breadth of knowledge, and rhetorical ability over preparation of evidence. It is loosely modeled after the British House of Parliament, and the style of platform debate first made famous at Oxford University.

P.S.A.L.T. has adapted the rules of the National Parliamentary Debate Association and the World's Style Parliamentary Debate.

Parli debate has two teams (two or three person teams) debate against each other in a contest of argumentation, wit and rhetoric. The Government (proposing) team prepares and presents a case for debate based on a topic or resolution announced only 15 minutes before the beginning of the round. The Opposition attempts to rebut the Government's proposal through counter-argument and refutation. The use of recorded evidence during the debate round is prohibited. A different resolution is debated in every Parliamentary Debate round.

Resolutions are chosen from a wide variety of political, philosophical, economic, cultural and humorous topics, and debaters often have a broad scope in which to define the specific case for debate which is drawn from the resolution.

2. Where can I find the rules of Parliamentary Debate used by P.S.A.L.T.?
You can read the Parli Rules on our site.

3. What are the time limits for parliamentary debate?
Prep time = 15 minutes
Prime Minister Constructive= 7 minutes
Leader of Opposition Constructive = 8 minutes
Member of Government Constructive = 8 minutes
Member of Opposition Constructive = 8 minutes
Leader of Opposition rebuttal = 4 minutes
Prime Minister rebuttal = 5 minutes
Please note that there is no prep time in between each of the speeches. The following speaker is recognized as soon as the previous speaker has finished.

4. What are some reading resources for parliamentary debate?
All students will be required to read the Textbook .

5. I am scared of public speaking, will I be able to participate in P.S.A.L.T.?
Kristina believes there are three primary reasons people are scared of public speaking:

a) fear of embarrassment - being ridiculed for mistakes
b) making a mistake
c) the fear of the unknown.

It is natural to worry that others may not respect what you say or will make fun of mistakes, however, P.SA.L.T. places strong emphasis on creating a very encouraging and warm environment for all students. Many students have never spoken in public before, and they want to know that when they do, others will respond respectfully. Therefore, P.S.A.L.T. has a strictly enforced policy of Constructive Criticism. Kristina works to encourage each and every student to identify their strengths, and utilize those, and improve their weaknesses. Many caterpillars have become butterflies in this league!

People also fear speaking because they think they "don't know how to do it." It is scary to think that you'll be in the middle of a speech and suddenly blunder! The curriculum for P.S.A.L.T. was written with this in mind. The process of public speaking is taught in a very step-by-step manner with a lot of basic steps of application before 'jumping in.' The step-by-step approach helps cultivate good habits before competing and helps build confidence in speaking.

The third fear is natural…. We all have a tendency to be apprehensive of the unknown, and for most students, public speaking is unknown. P.S.A.L.T. purposely offers a lot of in-class practice and opportunities for growth on a one-on-one or small group level before competing in tournaments. Then, tournaments are offered monthly in a very encouraging and positive environment.

The objective is build everyone's comfort level so that before long students are not only speaking in public, but they're doing it WELL!

6. What is Kristina's interest in Home Education? Why is she teaching homeschool students?
Kristina Haines Light is a homeschool graduate (FHE class of '95), so she knows personally the homeschool environment and has great respect for it. The vast majority of homeschool families have a built in foundation of beliefs and philosophies and they are teaching their children to know, understand, and be able to defend their beliefs.

However, many homeschool families have few, if any, opportunities for public speaking, and a limited number of outlets to articulate beliefs to those who disagree or must oppose your view. Parli offers an opportunity to cultivate the skills of public speaking, persuasion, audience adaptation, and competition while enhancing what Mom and Dad are teaching at home. Parli gives the students a chance to put into practice what their parents are teaching, in a positive and encouraging environment that stimulates learning. Therefore, Parli is a natural fit for homeschool families!

7. When and where are classes offered?
Classes are offered on a weekly basis for an hour and a half. The classes are geared for progress, so students will begin with the Intro class, and work up to Advanced Classes and Rhetoric and Logic. Classes meet in the evenings in various Kansas City area locations. Homework assignments are given, and the textbook is required reading. The Fall semester meets from mid-August through the end of November (no class in December for a Holiday Break), and Spring semester meets from mid-January through the end of April. Each class lasts one semester, so students may take as many semesters as they choose, and may even begin mid-year. E-mail kristina@psalt.com for more information.

8. When and where are tournaments?
Tournaments are held once a month, usually on the 4th Saturday of each month, and last from 8am until 7pm. Students are expected to participate in tournaments. You can view the current schedule on our PSALT Calendar. For more information e-mail kristina@psalt.com .