How do you integrate points of information into your speech structure and transitions?

1 Why accept POIs?

The first thing you need to know is why you should accept POIs in the first place. Some debaters might think that ignoring or rejecting POIs is a sign of confidence and strength, but it can actually backfire. By accepting POIs, you show that you are willing to engage with the other side, that you are prepared to defend your arguments, and that you are confident in your own position. Moreover, accepting POIs can give you an opportunity to rebut your opponents' claims, to clarify your points, or to introduce new evidence. Of course, you don't have to accept every POI that is offered to you, but you should aim to accept at least one or two per speech, depending on the format and the rules of the debate.

2 When to offer and accept POIs?

The next thing you need to know is when to offer and accept POIs. Generally, POIs are only allowed during the constructive speeches, not during the rebuttals or the summaries. Also, there are usually designated periods within each speech when POIs are permitted, such as after the first or the last minute. You should respect these rules and avoid interrupting the speaker when they are not open to POIs. When you are the speaker, you should signal when you are ready to take a POI by saying something like "I'll take a point" or "On that point" and pointing to the person who is offering it. You should also indicate when you are closing yourself to POIs by saying something like "No more points" or "In conclusion". When you are offering a POI, you should stand up and say "Point of information" or "On that point" and wait for the speaker to acknowledge you. You should also be respectful and polite, and avoid shouting, heckling, or making personal attacks.

3 How to structure your speech with POIs?

The third thing you need to know is how to structure your speech with POIs. You should have a clear outline of your main arguments and sub-points, and plan ahead how you will incorporate POIs into your speech. You should avoid taking POIs at the beginning or the end of your speech, as this can undermine your introduction or your conclusion. You should also avoid taking POIs in the middle of a point, as this can disrupt your logic and coherence. Instead, you should take POIs at the end of a point, or between points, as this can create natural transitions and links between your arguments. You should also allocate enough time for each POI, and avoid going over the time limit or rushing through your speech.

4 How to respond to POIs?

The fourth thing you need to know is how to respond to POIs. You should listen carefully to the POI and try to understand what it is asking or implying. You should then answer it directly and succinctly, without going off-topic or repeating yourself. You should also use the POI as an opportunity to reinforce your arguments, to refute your opponents' arguments, or to introduce new evidence. You should avoid conceding or agreeing with the POI, unless it is a minor or irrelevant point. You should also avoid evading or ignoring the POI, unless it is clearly irrelevant or abusive. You should also avoid being rude or dismissive, unless the POI is clearly rude or dismissive.

5 How to deliver POIs?

The fifth thing you need to know is how to deliver POIs. You should prepare some POIs in advance, based on your research and analysis of the topic and the opposing side's arguments. You should also be flexible and adaptable, and look for gaps, inconsistencies, or weaknesses in the speaker's arguments. You should then formulate your POI as a question, a counter-argument, or a challenge, and make it clear and concise. You should also use evidence, logic, or rhetoric to support your POI, and avoid making assertions without backing them up. You should also be respectful and polite, and avoid being aggressive or personal.