How to Set Up for Debates
- 1). Establish a stage area. If you are holding your debate in an auditorium, use the stage to house the actual debaters. If you are using an open space, select an area against a wall to act as your makeshift stage. Set up risers if available to elevate the debaters and allow the audience a better view of what is going on.
- 2). Set a central podium for the moderator. Place the moderator podium directly in the center of the stage area so that the audience can clearly see this central player.
- 3). Place two podiums equidistant from the moderator podium. The exact distance from the moderator podium varies depending on the size of the stage. If your debate is not between two individuals but instead between two groups, place two tables along with the required number of chairs where these podiums would go.
- 4). Place a table in the front row of the audience area. Use this table to seat any debate advisers or school or community press members who might be covering the debate. From this central location these individuals will be able to easily hear what is going on during the debate process.
- 5). Create rows of seating in the audience area. If you are holding your debate in an auditorium, you can use the pre-established seating and skip this step.
- 6). Put a wireless or corded microphone on each of the three podiums if necessary. If your debate is in a large venue or you feel that people may have a hard time hearing the debater's arguments, you may want to provide each participant with a microphone.
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