Substance of Debate

Framing Debate

Frames are how you see the world--when you debate someone using the language of their frame, you step into their frame and reinforce it. In MUN, delegates keep referring back to or debating against your PAINT framework, your resolution, or other concepts you have brought up.

Reframing Debate

When you disagree with a frame, use another frame with a different language.Reframing means listening to other delegates, and “merging” their frames into a new one. Reframing is needed so debaters don’t go around in circles arguing about the same thing due to fundamental disagreements.

The Three P's of Debate

Policy
Here are some things to consider when developing your policy:
1. Country policy
2. Possible solutions
3. Presenting facts about the topic
4. Policy could be objective or analytical
5. Policy could be specific preferences to your country
6. Promoting your country policy is your goal

Principle
Here are some principles to keep in mind:
1. Grounding your policy in universal values
2. Principles introduce emotion to your speeches
3. Could be rights we all hold dear
4. Delegates cannot simply debate your policies, they now need to debate your principles or values
5. Country wants to uphold national sovereignty, responsibility to protect, human rights, international law, democracy, and the spirit of the UN charter

Personal Interest
Consider these when considering your personal interests:
1. Grounding policy in human interest and culture
2. A personal frame tries to create a relationship between speaker and listener
3. If delegates debate a personal frame, it may make them look cold
4. My country or my people have been ravaged by war, are suffering from hunger, have many refugees who’ve lost their homes and livelihoods, or could be other victim stories or success stories.

Congratulations! You've finished the Public Speaking Module.