Jane Ward: Intelligence squared

Intelligence Squared is the worldwide leading forum for staging debates. Originally founded in London, this Oxford-style debating organisation is broadcast around the globe via BBC World, drawing huge audiences. Whether you attend in person, on TV or online, you can experience seriously big topics discussed and laid bare.

The Big Topics

Debates Watch how celebrated speakers on Intelligence Squared – including President Jimmy Carter, Werner Herzog, Germaine Greer, Patti Smith, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Eric Schmidt, Professor Brian Cox and Grayson Perry – address some of the most talked about and popular topics: ‘The Future of Health: When Death Becomes Optional’, ‘Democracy is India’s Achilles’ Heel’, ‘Obama’s Foreign Policy is a Gift to America’s Enemies’, ‘The Catholic Church is Beyond Redemption: Pope Francis Cannot Save it’, ‘Free Speech Is Threatened on Campus’ and ‘The US Should Let In 100,000 Syrian Refugees’.

The Format

Debates Here’s how it works. The moderator introduces the debate and presents the motion, inviting the audience to cast their pre-debate vote. In the first round, debaters present their opening statements. The moderator briefly summarises points made from each side.

The real debate begins in the second round when debaters address each other directly. In the question round, it’s over to the audience. In the final round, each of the debaters presents an uninterrupted closing statement.

Then it’s time for the audience to press their keypads to vote post debate. See how each side has most influenced the audience. It’s not always as expected.

Versus Debates

Debates In 2012, Intelligence Squared teamed up with Google to create the Versus Debates, famously kicking off with ‘It’s Time to End the War on Drugs’, bringing together the minds of Antonio Maria Costa, Richard Branson, Russell Brand, Eliot Spitzer, Geoffrey Robertson QC and Julian Assange.