Australs Format Explained
The Australs (AUDC Style) round, speech by speech
| # | Speech | Side | Length | What it’s for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1st Affirmative | Affirmative | 8:00 | Builds the case and answers the other side |
| 2 | 1st Negative | Negative | 8:00 | Builds the case and answers the other side |
| 3 | 2nd Affirmative | Affirmative | 8:00 | Builds the case and answers the other side |
| 4 | 2nd Negative | Negative | 8:00 | Builds the case and answers the other side |
| 5 | 3rd Affirmative | Affirmative | 8:00 | Builds the case and answers the other side |
| 6 | 3rd Negative | Negative | 8:00 | Builds the case and answers the other side |
| 7 | Negative Reply | Negative | 4:00 | A last comparative overview |
| 8 | Affirmative Reply | Affirmative | 4:00 | A last comparative overview |
| Speaking time | 56:00 | Plus 30:00 motion prep | ||
Scroll right for the full table →
The rules that actually matter
- Three students on each side.
- The 1st speakers go, then the 2nd speakers, then the 3rd speakers, taking turns by side.
- Main speeches run 8 minutes each.
- Then each side gives a 4-minute closing speech. The side that disagrees gives theirs first, even though the other side spoke first all the way through.
- The closing speech has to be given by the 1st or 2nd speaker — never the 3rd — and can only sum up, not add new points.
- While someone is giving one of the six main speeches, a student from the other side may stand and ask to make a quick point — but only between the 1st and 7th minute. The speaker can say yes or no.
- Nobody may interrupt during the closing speeches.
- Not every competition uses those interruptions, so check before the round.
- Teams get 30 minutes to plan once they hear the topic. No looking anything up.
Prepping an Australs round?
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How to prep for an Australs round
- Use the full 30 minutes to agree on the case and what each of the three speakers covers.
- Decide in prep who gives the closing speech: it must be your 1st or 2nd speaker.
- Check whether this competition uses points of information before the round.
- Practice the closing as a summary of the main clashes, with no new points.
How Australs rounds are judged
- Similar to British Parliamentary/Parliamentary judging — reward logical improvisation and team strategy.
- Reply speeches summarize the round — penalize new arguments introduced in a reply. Only the 1st or 2nd speaker may give it, never the 3rd.
- Points of Information are permitted during substantive speeches, between the 1st and 7th minute, the same window as World Schools. None may be offered at reply. Some competitions run this format without POIs, so confirm before the round rather than assuming either way.
- Scored on Matter (content), Manner (delivery), and Method (structure and response to the opposition’s actual strategy) — a well-researched speech that ignores what the other side just argued should lose Method points.
Check yourself
How many speakers are on an Australs team?
Three
Who may give the reply speech?
The 1st or 2nd speaker — never the 3rd
Which side gives its reply speech first?
Negative
How long is a substantive speech?
8 minutes
How much time do teams get once the motion is released?
30 minutes, with no outside research
Frequently asked questions
What is the speech order in Australs (AUDC Style)?
Australs (AUDC Style) has 8 timed parts, in this order: 1st Affirmative (8 minutes), 1st Negative (8 minutes), 2nd Affirmative (8 minutes), 2nd Negative (8 minutes), 3rd Affirmative (8 minutes), 3rd Negative (8 minutes), Negative Reply (4 minutes), Affirmative Reply (4 minutes). That is 56 minutes of timed speaking and questioning in all, plus prep time.
Who gives the reply speech in Australs?
The 1st or 2nd speaker, never the 3rd. The side against the topic replies first, and the reply can only sum up.
Are points of information used in Australs?
Not at every competition. Where they are, they are allowed between the 1st and 7th minute of the main speeches, never during replies.
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