As protagonists - been asked to prepare their arguments. A greater awareness of the skills needed to facilitate a political discussion on Northern Ireland's contentious issues. In groups of 6-8 people ask them to discuss issues and choose a position statement relating to Northern Ireland which will provide contentious discussion within the bigger group. After choosing position statements within the group, one person chooses to speak for the statement and one person to speak against the position. Bring the groups together and ask each to read out their statement to the rest of the group.
People can vote for as many as they like.
Through the basic process of what statement gets the highest show of hands the contentious issue for debate is chosen. The statement has two speakers from the small group that chose it and these students are given five minutes to prepare a three minute speech. Give them the handouts A and B for this workshop to refer to. One is to observe the speakers and facilitator and the other to observe the rest of the group. After the debate the observers give their feedback and the group can discuss how they felt about the process.