Need help with debate

Not strange at all. I too, had to do debates in school and had never done or seen one before then. Did you get any instructions or guidelines?From what I remember there is the pro side, the con side...each presented by one or more people and then there is the moderator. Amongst all in the group, you pick or are assigned a topic to debate, and then each member decides which role they will play. If you are for the issue, you must find evidence that supports your issue - whether or not you agree personally. You must then research the opposing side, in order to be able to rebut that side of the debate. The actual debate starts with the moderator informing the audience of the topic and then polling the audience to see how many are for the issue and how many are against the issue. The pro side usually starts by presenting their research, and usually are given a set amount of time. The Con side, presents their research, within the same amount of time. The moderator keeps the time and should stop the debators even if they are mid-sentence. The pro side rebuts - trying to give information that refutes the con side's points made. The con side is given the chance to do the same. The moderator then summarizes all points made by each side, without any bias. The moderator then polls the audience again - if there is a shift in the number votes to either side, that side wins the debate as they were able to influence members of the audience to change their opinion. Hope this helps and I hope I didn't forget anything. Debates were actually one of favorite parts on nursing school. Best of luck. What issue are you debating?

Thanks! We chose childhood obesity, parents vs. schools.