What Is a Point of Information?

A Point of Information (POI) is a brief interjection offered by a member of an opposing team during a speech in parliamentary debate. POIs are a fundamental feature of British Parliamentary, Australs, and WSDC formats. They allow opposing teams to challenge the speaker, ask questions, or make short counter-points — keeping the debate interactive and testing speakers' ability to think on their feet.

When Can You Offer POIs?

POIs may only be offered during the "unprotected" portion of a speech:

  • BP (7-minute speeches): POIs are allowed between 1:00 and 6:00 — the first and last minutes are protected
  • Australs (7-8 minute speeches): Same principle — first and last minute protected
  • WSDC (8-minute speeches): POIs allowed between 1:00 and 7:00

A single knock (or bell) signals the end of the first protected minute, and a double knock signals the start of the final protected minute. Some tournaments use digital timers that display "POI" when POIs are permitted.

How to Offer a POI

To offer a POI, stand up from your seat and say "Point of information" or simply "On that point." Keep your hand raised until the speaker accepts or declines. Key etiquette:

  • Stand briefly and confidently — do not hover for extended periods
  • If the speaker says "No, thank you" or waves you down, sit immediately
  • Do not interrupt the speaker if they have not acknowledged you
  • Do not stand up repeatedly in quick succession (known as "barracking") — it is considered disruptive
  • Both speakers from your team can offer POIs, but coordinate — do not both stand at the same time

Crafting Effective POIs

A good POI is brief (under 15 seconds), targeted, and strategically timed. The best POIs achieve one of these goals:

1. Expose a Contradiction

"Your first speaker said X, but you are now arguing Y — which is your team's position?"

This forces the speaker to either reconcile the contradiction or lose credibility.

2. Demand a Mechanism

"How exactly would this policy be enforced in practice?"

Effective against teams that make large claims without explaining implementation.

3. Highlight a Missing Stakeholder

"What about the impact on [group your opponents haven't considered]?"

This introduces a perspective the speaker must address or appear to have an incomplete analysis.

4. Set Up Your Own Argument

"If you accept that [small concession], then by your own logic [devastating conclusion]."

This is advanced — you use the POI to create a logical trap that your team can exploit later.

Responding to POIs

How you handle POIs affects your speaker score and team ranking. Guidelines for speakers:

  • Accept at least 1–2 POIs per speech: Refusing all POIs is penalised by judges. It suggests you cannot defend your arguments under challenge.
  • Accept strategically: Take POIs when you are on strong ground — after making a point you are confident about, not in the middle of a complex explanation.
  • Respond concisely: Acknowledge the point, give a brief answer, and return to your argument. Do not let the POI derail your speech structure.
  • Use POIs to your advantage: If an opponent's question is weak, point out why: "Thank you — that actually supports our case because..."
  • Decline politely: A simple "No, thank you" is sufficient. Do not respond aggressively to offers.

Common POI Mistakes

  • Speeches disguised as questions: POIs that run for 30+ seconds are lectures, not points. The speaker should cut you off after 15 seconds.
  • Unclear or convoluted POIs: If the speaker and the audience cannot understand your point, it has no impact. Keep it simple and direct.
  • Offering too many: Standing up every 30 seconds is barracking. Offer 3–5 POIs per speech and choose your moments carefully.
  • Offering too few: Never standing up suggests disengagement or inability to challenge the other side. Judges notice.
  • Taking POIs at bad times: Accepting a POI when you have 30 seconds left and have not finished your argument is a strategic error.

POI Strategy by Position

Different speaker positions should approach POIs differently:

  • Opening speakers: Use POIs to establish key challenges early. Set the terms of clash.
  • Closing speakers: Use POIs to test whether your extension is needed — if the opening half's case has a gap, your POI can highlight it.
  • Whip/reply speakers: You cannot offer POIs during reply speeches. Focus on using earlier POIs as evidence in your summary.