Points of information – Definition and tactics

This is part of a series of introductory articles. Where I try to explain basic concepts of competitive debating.

What points of information are

A “Point of Information” (POI) is when a speaker on the opposite side of the table offers a short contribution to a speech, normally consisting of a question or comment of around 15 seconds duration. Points of information are one of the things that makes British Parliamentary debating more interesting and dynamic as a format, as it allows speakers to engage with one another's arguments throughout the debate, not just during their own speeches. 

These are distinct from Points of clarification, which are specifically for during a speech from first proposition where they are outlining their definition and mechanism. The purpose of which is to clarify the mechanism that is being set out so that the debate can go smoothly for everyone. It is generally accepted that people should accept points of clarification when offered in order to make sure their position is clear and the debate goes well for everyone. Attempting to use points of clarification as a cover for points of information is considered extremely bad form.

Offering points of information

In order to offer a point of information you should stand up and/or raise your hand and say something like “Point of information,” “Madam,” “On that point,” “On that,” etc.

Note that you are not allowed to say “On economic instability” or something similar. This is known as 'headlining' and is considered an illegitimate way to insert your own points into an opponents speech without their consent.

Please maintain a level of politeness at all times when offering your point. You are asking a speaker for their permission to take time out of their speech to make a contribution and they are entirely within their rights to accept and refuse on their own whims. Offering POIs aggressively or excessively often in order to force a speaker to take you or to put them off of their speech is not allowed. A good general rule is to wait 15 seconds between offering POIs.

In order to make POIs as effective as possible I recommend preparing them beforehand in the same manner you would for a point in your own speech. It is also useful to share them with your partner (either by whispering or writing them down) so that you can decide on the most important point for you to make at that point in the debate and