Overview

The Australs format, also known as 3v3 or Asian Parliamentary format, is a two-team debate structure featuring three speakers per side. It is the standard format for the Australasian Intervarsity Debating Championships (Australs), many Asian debating competitions, and national circuits across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

Structure and Speaking Order

Each debate features six substantive speeches and two reply speeches:

  1. First Affirmative (1A): Defines the motion, establishes the team's case framework, and presents the first major argument. This speaker sets the parameters of the debate.
  2. First Negative (1N): Responds to the definition (if necessary), outlines the negative case, and presents the negative's first argument while rebutting the affirmative.
  3. Second Affirmative (2A): Rebuts the negative case, rebuilds the affirmative case where attacked, and presents additional arguments.
  4. Second Negative (2N): Continues rebuttal of the affirmative case then presents further negative arguments.
  5. Third Affirmative (3A): The final substantive speaker for the affirmative. Focuses heavily on rebuttal and crystallisation — identifying the key clashes in the debate and explaining why the affirmative wins them.
  6. Third Negative (3N): The final substantive speaker for the negative. Like the 3A, focuses on rebuttal, clash identification, and explaining why the negative team has won the debate.
  7. Reply Speech (Negative): Delivered by either the 1N or 2N. A shorter speech (typically 4–5 minutes) that summarises the debate from the negative's perspective.
  8. Reply Speech (Affirmative): Delivered by either the 1A or 2A. The final word in the debate, summarising the affirmative's case and key clashes.

Substantive speeches are typically 7–8 minutes. Reply speeches are 4–5 minutes. The reply speech order is reversed — the negative replies first, giving the affirmative the final word.

Key Differences from BP

Understanding the differences between Australs and BP is essential for debaters who compete in both formats:

  • Two teams, not four: There are no closing halves or extensions needed.
  • Deeper clash: With only two teams, engagement between the teams tends to be more direct and sustained.
  • Reply speeches: These short summary speeches are unique to Australs and require a different skill set — the ability to zoom out, identify the most important issues, and explain the debate as a narrative.
  • Third speakers as clash-drivers: The third speaker role in Australs is distinct — they rarely introduce new arguments and instead focus on crystallisation and deep rebuttal.
  • Win/loss outcome: Unlike BP's four-way ranking, Australs debates have a clear winner and loser.

The Reply Speech

The reply speech is one of the most challenging and distinctive elements of Australs debating. It is a shorter speech (usually 4–5 minutes) delivered after all substantive speeches. The speaker must:

  • Identify the 2–3 most important clashes or issues in the debate
  • Explain the debate from a "bird's-eye view" — not rehashing individual arguments, but framing the overall narrative
  • Demonstrate why their team won the key clashes
  • Avoid introducing new arguments (new arguments in the reply speech are typically disregarded by judges)

A strong reply speech can significantly influence how judges perceive the debate. It is an opportunity to control the narrative and ensure that your team's strongest points are top-of-mind for adjudicators.

Adjudication in Australs

Judges in Australs debates deliver a binary verdict — one team wins and one team loses. Speaker scores are assigned individually, and oral adjudications explain the key reasons for the decision. Panels typically consist of a chair and two wings, with majority verdicts when there is disagreement.

Adjudicators evaluate:

  • The quality and depth of argumentation on each side
  • Effective rebuttal — did each team engage with the strongest version of their opponents' arguments?
  • Crystallisation — did the third speakers and reply speakers identify the right issues?
  • Manner and delivery — was the speaking persuasive, clear, and well-paced?

Strategy Tips for Australs

Success in Australs requires careful team coordination. Before the debate begins, teams should agree on:

  • A clear case split — how arguments are divided between 1st and 2nd speakers
  • The overall theme or narrative for their case
  • Who will deliver the reply speech and how they will prepare it during the debate

During the debate, listening is as important as speaking. Third speakers must take detailed notes on all six substantive speeches to deliver effective crystallisation. Reply speakers must synthesise the entire debate into a coherent, persuasive summary.

Where Australs Is Used

The Australs format is the primary competitive format in:

  • Australia and New Zealand (Australasian Intervarsity Debating Championships)
  • Southeast Asia (United Asian Debating Championships and national circuits)
  • South Asia (many national and regional competitions)
  • Parts of Africa and the Middle East

Many debaters compete in both Australs and BP, and the skills transfer well between formats. NekoTab supports full Australs tabulation including side allocation, speaker score tracking, and break calculations.