What is a Crosstalk?

Crosstalk is a set of short editorial articles debating controversial topics in physiology. There will be two controverisal topics for each time, which will be disputed by two groups of participants. By hearing explicit accounts of contradictory viewpoints, the audience gains a better understanding of the source of a controversy. It is an opportunity to engage audience in the discussion and contribute their thoughts to advance the debate.

What are the RULES?

Preparation:

• Participants will sign up for a debate topic and day.
• Participants will research the topic and, using reliable sources, prepare a time-limited statement. Coordinate your statement with teammates in advance and practice delivering it!
• Each team consists of three members. Team has to decide who will present the main 10 minute speech.

Debate process

1. A good introduction that attracts the audiences attention and interest in the topic
2. Should include a complete response in support of the proposition.
3. Speech should make use of facts, statistics, and anecdotes as supporting evidence.

1st speaker from TEAM 2 (OPPOSITE) - 10 minutes

1. A good introduction that attracts the audience's attention and interest in the topic
2. Should include a complete response in support of the proposition.
3. Speech should make use of facts, statistics, and anecdotes as supporting evidence.

2st speaker from TEAM 1 - 5 minutes

1. Should include a complete response in support of the proposition. Response should provide a different angle than the first speaker, or serve as an elaboration on the first speaker’s speech. For example, if the first speaker relied heavily on facts, the second speaker could use humor or personal experience.
2. Speech should make use of facts, statistics, and anecdotes as supporting evidence.

2st speaker from TEAM 2 (OPPOSITE)- 5 minutes

1. Should include a complete response in support of the proposition. Response should provide a different angle than the first speaker, or serve as an elaboration on the first speaker’s speech. For example, if the first speaker relied heavily on facts, the second speaker could use humor or personal experience.
2. Speech should make use of facts, statistics, and anecdotes as supporting evidence.

3st speaker from TEAM 1 - 3 minutes

1. Should provide very strictly formulated statement which should support the main view of proposition. If the first speaker relied heavily on facts, and the second speaker used humor, the third could use personal experience.
2. Speech should make use of facts, statistics, and anecdotes as supporting evidence.

3st speaker from TEAM 2 (OPPOSITE) - 3 minutes

1. Should provide very strictly formulated statement which should support the main view of proposition. If the first speaker relied heavily on facts, and the second speaker used humor, the third could use personal experience.
2. Speech should make use of facts, statistics, and anecdotes as supporting evidence.

Opinions from the audience which should be clear and concrete formulated and with time limit.

Final vote of the audience on the position statement. Teams will be judged on understanding of topic, quality of evidence, and persuasiveness.

How to participate?

If you want to particpate for upcoming debate, please have a look at articles presented in the left side of the page, choose one of the topics you would like to debate and fill the Participation form.