Therefore, they research the topic extensively, and wheel around boxes of evidence for use in their rounds. Parliamentary debate has few rules and uses little jargon. Academic debate, however, has very sophisticated debate theory, with lots of specialised vocabulary. In many academic debates, debaters talk about the rules of debate and the nature of debate theory more than the actual topic. Debates are decided by the argumentation alone.
Parliamentary debate balances substance with style.
There are advantages to both styles. Academic debate teaches strong research skills, and how to analyse large amounts information very quickly. Parliamentary debate teaches speaking skills more relevant to everyday life. Both styles of debate teach confidence, logic, quick thinking and leadership skills. High school debate is still very new in Japan.