The art of organising public debates Ivana Bursikova

The art of organising public debates Ivana Bursikova, Agora CE, Czech Republic

Agora Central Europe Goals: n to enhance communication and co-operation between citizens and town halls n to arouse the interest of citizens in community issues n to back the development of local democracy in the Czech Republic n to help enhance political culture in the Czech Rep.

Current projects: Public debates on current issues in cooperation with Students Union and daily Lidove Noviny. On the Way to Parliament Debating competition for students of Secondary schools Projects in co-operation with town halls of Czech towns (opinion polls of citizens, public meetings, targeted meetings of workshops etc. ). Trainings, seminars, conferences on citizen participation, forms and methods in CR and abroad (Balkan, Baltic republics, Ukraine, Moldova, Kaukasus republics etc. ).

Journalists

Content: n. WHY n. Types of debates n. Preconditions of success n. HOW – Before the debate - During the debate - After the debate

Why shall we organise public/political debates?

Why shall we organise debates: n. Raising public awareness about certain issue n. Educating public in debating and civic activities n. Making politicians responsible infront of the voters

n. What types of political debates are there?

Different types of debates: n. Round table n. Panel n. Public debate

Preconditions of success: n. Interesting venue (depends on the audience) n. Intelligent moderator n. Well balanced guests (pro and contra) n. Good advertising n. Basic principles

n. What has to be prepared before the debate?

Before the debate n Defining the issue - Editorial board n Defining the target group n Choosing the venue (technical details – sound, setting, video presentation, refreshment) n Finding a moderator n Choosing guests n Preparing a scenario n Publicising the event, informing journalists

n. How should an interactive public debate look like?

During the debate Basic principles: n. Open debate n. Space for comments n. Concise, short speeches n. To the point n. Prepared scenario and questions

n. What should be done after the debate?

After the debate n. Informing journalists n. Thanks to the guests n. Info on web page n. Internal evaluation

n. Prepare a debate on chosen issue

Good luck with organising public debates! Agora Central Europe Společnost pro demokracii a kulturu Petra Rezka 12, Praha 4, Czech Republic info@agora-ce. cz www. agora-ce. cz