Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Practice Exam

What is the structure of a debate in a meeting context?

1. One large group discussing a single topic

2. Two teams arguing opposite sides of an issue

3. A series of presentations with audience questions

4. A roundtable discussion among participants

The correct answer is: Two teams arguing opposite sides of an issue

The structure of a debate in a meeting context involves two teams arguing opposite sides of an issue. This format emphasizes the presentation of contrasting viewpoints, allowing for a structured exchange of ideas and arguments. Each team prepares to support its position with evidence, logic, and rhetoric, while also anticipating and addressing counterarguments presented by the opposing team. This dynamic encourages critical thinking and fosters a deeper understanding of the topic at hand, as participants must not only communicate their own positions persuasively but also engage with and refute opposing perspectives. In contrast, other options describe different meeting formats. A large group discussing a single topic lacks the structured opposition characteristic of a debate. Presentations with audience questions focus more on information delivery rather than argumentation. A roundtable discussion promotes open dialogue without the competitive angle inherent in a debate. These structures, while valuable in their own right, do not encapsulate the unique confrontational and analytical nature of a debate.