In collaboration with the Ministry of Education

PowerGen National Schools' Debate Competition 2026

Your Voice. Your View.

A 3v3 debate format open to schools nationwide. Register your team online before the deadline, then submit speaker names and parental consent forms ahead of the competition.

Register your team → Download guidelines (PDF)

Registration deadline Friday 18th September 2026

3v3

Debaters per side, plus one alternate per team

6

Speeches per debate — alternating Affirmative and Negative

48hrs

Notice required to submit your speaker line-up

24hrs

Notice required to report a speaker unavailability

How to enter

Register your team, then confirm speakers and consent forms ahead of your scheduled debate.

Step 01

Register your team

Complete online registration before Friday 18th September 2026. Each team fields three debaters plus one alternate.

Open registration form →

Step 02

Confirm speakers

Submit the names of your first, second and third speakers to corpcomm@powergen.co.tt at least 48 hours before your debate.

Step 03

Submit parental consent

One consent form per team member, including the alternate, emailed to corpcomm@powergen.co.tt.

Download consent form →

Format and speaking order

3v3 debates alternating strictly between Affirmative and Negative.

First Affirmative5 minutes

First Negative5 minutes

Second Affirmative5 minutes

Second Negative5 minutes

Third Affirmative3 minutes

Third Negative3 minutes

A bell signals the start, one minute remaining, and time elapsed. Five points are deducted for exceeding the time limit; five points for reading a prepared speech; ten points for introducing new evidence in closing that doesn't directly rebut the opposing team.

Speaker roles

Each speaker has a distinct, sequential role in building the team's case.

First speaker

States the resolution and key terms, shows why the topic matters, and presents the team's first argument with evidence. The Negative first speaker also rebuts the Affirmative's definitions and main arguments.

Second speakers

Rebut the opposing side's charges, briefly reinforce their partner's case, and introduce new arguments with evidence — closing with a strong appeal to the audience.

Third speakers

Summarize the debate's key issues, group and rebut the opposing team's case, and defend their own — no new evidence except to directly counter opposing points.

General conduct

Speakers may refer to notes but not read a prepared speech. Points are deducted for exceeding time limits, reading speeches, or introducing new evidence out of turn.

How teams are judged

Adjudicators score speakers on three criteria and select a winning team based on logic, evidence and refutation.

Content (Matter) — strength of arguments, logic and evidence
Style (Delivery) — public speaking skill, tone, pace, persuasion
Strategy (Method) — organization, signposting, adaptation

The Judges’ decisions are final.

Assignment of positions

Preliminaries: Affirmative and Negative positions are determined by a random virtual draw, conducted openly by a neutral official with a representative from each school present. Once announced, the outcome is final.

Semi-finals: a rotation system gives schools the chance to debate from both positions. Where rotation would repeat a position, a new random draw decides it — also final and binding.

Ready to register your team?

Registration closes Friday 18th September 2026. Teachers with questions can reach the Corporate Communications Department at any time.

Register your team Email corpcomm@powergen.co.tt

PowerGen National Schools' Debate Competition 2026 · In collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Trinidad and Tobago